Badminton lovers… Here’s some amazing news for you. Kerala Junior Badminton Club, a space dedicated to training young badminton fans, has been officially inaugurated by the North West Dublin TD, Mr. Paul McAuliffe.
The inauguration of this Junior Club was held on 7th March 2022, at Poppintree Sports Centre in Ballymun, Dublin.
The Beginning
Kerala Badminton Club (KBC) was formed in 2013 by a group of badminton lovers, from Kerala, the southern state of India, and hence the name. Initially, the idea was just a place for friends to meet and play badminton, after dropping their children at school. But soon it became a hotspot for not just badminton lovers but for all those who would love to meet and greet.
Poppintree Sports Centre in Ballymun, Dublin was the favorite spot from the start for all of them as its management and staff have always extended excellent support for their sports activities. Over the 9 years since the beginning of its journey, KBC has grown into one of the leading clubs in Ireland.
KBC then started this junior chapter, Kerala Junior Badminton Club in partnership with Badminton Ireland in October 2021 to coach children from the age of 6.
Mr. Sumesh Tharian, registered level one coach of Badminton Ireland is the coach of KBC Junior. He also coaches children in many major clubs of Ireland.
The Event
The official inaugural function of the Junior club of KBC was blessed with the presence of dignitaries from the Sports, Political and Social fields of Ireland. North West Dublin TD, Mr. Paul Mc Auliffe inaugurated the function by presenting the jersey, sponsored by Chikoos TV, to Abin Joby following the inaugural address speech by Mr. Siju Jose, KBC Secretary.
The President of Leinster badminton, Mrs. Catherine Smyth addressed the children inspiring them to be great athletes. Councilors Ms. Briege MacOscar, Mr. Keith Connolly, and Mr. John Kingsley Onwumereh promised the help of the Dublin City Council in the future.
Mr. Paul McAuliffe 
Mrs. Catherine Smyth 
Councilors Ms. Briege MacOscar, Mr. Keith Connolly, and Mr. John Kingsley Onwumereh 
Seargent Boby Grealis 
Mr. John, Mr. Siju Jose, and other members
The Gardai, from the Ballymun and Finglas Garda station, and Seargent Boby Grealis praised the Indian community for launching this wonderful initiative for children. Mr. John, representing Poppintree Sports Community Centre, also had a great talk with the children and also promised help from the sports center.
Mr. Sumesh Tharian with some of his students 
KBC- Kerala Badminton Club
KBC has been organizing the All Ireland Badminton Tournament each year and getting a good response from players everywhere. They are also active participants in Dublin District Badminton Tournaments and have consecutively won many medals in different divisions.KBC is registered with Badminton Ireland and follows its guidelines and policies.
The Kerala Badminton Club or KBC, formed for the entertainment of a few has now grown into one of the major sports coaching centers in Ireland. The club promotes the sport of Badminton in the best way possible and invites every Badminton lover in the country, without any limitation or barrier, to join the club. With the players from different ethnic backgrounds, this club surely inspires sportsmanship in every heart.
Mr. Paul McAuliffe with Abin Joby
Since its formation in 2013, KBC has expanded its activities and is slowly and steadily improving the quality of life of many. Through this Junior chapter of the club, KBC highlights the importance of sports in the life of children by giving them guidance in the athletic field.