The BCA is committed to ensuring its developing Member Associations receive the necessary support to make sure that the trained coaches remain in the structure and contribute to the development of the players. As per its strategic plan to continuously grow the capacity of the developing Member Associations, the BCA conducted the BWF level 1 coaching course in Togo.
” Our key focus for the past few years has been on developing Member Associations which are members of the BWF and the BCA, but they haven’t been active. We have so far conducted courses in countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique and, Burkina Faso. Mr. Sahir, the BCA Secretary-General, said.
The BCA also plans to have similar initiatives in Botswana, Congo, and other countries that require assistance to revive badminton.
” This is only a start. Doing coaching courses alone will not be enough. we are also planning to follow up with the coaches and give them more opportunities to train on the ground to get exposure and experience by training good players and being in touch with good coaches.” Mr. Sahir added.
The BWF level one course attracted 10 participants from Togo, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger.
“The developing Member Associations need qualified coaches to prepare their players for competitions. The BCA is taking this opportunity to give them a chance to develop their skills,” Mr. Bokpe BCA RDO said.
Since its inception in 1995, the Togolese Badminton Federation (Fetobad) has done various BWF programs such as Shuttle Time, Badminton for All Project, Coach Education and, Para badminton Coach Education. It has enabled them to participate in many badminton events such as Youth African Games, Inter-Country tournament between Benin and Togo, Arabic Games, BWF AGM, All Africa Seniors Championship, Specials Olympic Games, and many International Tournaments.
The seven participants from Togo come from different regions and will go a long way in helping the FETOBAD provide the much-needed skills to the players country-wide.
The participants from the invited countries of Burkina Faso, Guinea and, Niger will join the existing BWF Level 1 Coaches in their country. The knowledge gained will allow them to start building good quality coaching skills and training of the players.
The BCA will monitor the participants, especially from the invited countries in line with the BCA guidelines to ensure they invest in the training to enable their countries to have good players to participate in BCA tournaments and other international tournaments. Mr. Bokpe stated.
” For several years, the BCA has followed up on all the qualified coaches, and they must help in the development of badminton in their respective countries for at least two years,” he added.
Statements:
Mr Adotoyo Komi Djimedo, Secretary General of the Togolese Badminton Federation:
“First of all, we would like to thank the BCA for supporting FETOBAD by organizing the BWF Level 1 Coaching Course. Thanks also to the expert Mr. Bernadin Bokpe who was up to the task he was in charge of. He gave the participants the techniques and tools necessary for the effective and efficient training of our players. The judicious interventions, the corrections at the right time, the clear and concise explanations, the lucid demonstrations of the expert allowed a notable evolution observable in all the participants in such a short time.’’
Zibo Ayouba, National Director of school and University Sports:
“The BWF Level 1 Coaching Course fulfils our expectations in several areas. We will no longer need to send coaches from Lome to assist clubs in the interior of the country. This training will allow us to cover the whole country by the presence of qualified coaches in the regions. The organization, assistance, and follow-up of school competitions will be insured. We will be able to double the number of players within one or two years. We will be able to establish the reputation of badminton in our country. We will be able to raise the level of our athletes.
It is a satisfaction for us at the level of the federation to have benefited from such training from the BWF and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the BWF and the BCA.
The participants have rightly appreciated the quality of the course. Please accept our congratulations and gratitude to the expert.’’
Awuito K. Yayrali, Technical Director of FETOBAD:
“After many years of waiting, we have finally benefited from the BWF Level 1 coaching course. This course is a timely boost to the vision of the FETOBAD, as per its strategic plan to train coaches and players. Our coaches who participated in this course are now better equipped in basic training methods, taking into account the athlete as a whole based on clearly defined factors. We thank the trainer for his dedication, the BCA for the opportunity, and the Minister of Sports and Recreation for allowing us to have this course. Good wind to African Badminton and Togo in particular.
Ali-Koura Idaya, a participant from Togo:
“The Level 1 Coaching course made me understand how to coach the children well. And on the elements to take into account when we are with the children. Thanks to the BCA and the Expert’’.
Abou Traoré, participant from Burkina Faso:
“The course came at the right time when our sub-region is committed to the promotion and practice of elite badminton. The new level 1 BWF coaches will work to consolidate the roots of badminton already set by our predecessors.
We thank the BWF, the BCA, the Expert trainer, and FETOBAD for the combined efforts that led to this training.
We are committed to making it a foundation not only for the intellectual, social, and physical development of the players but also for the development of quality skills.’’
