Women Take Over the Courts

Women will take over the courts for this week's Fyffes Irish Future Series tournament in Baldoyle, Dublin (October 10-14)
Event referee is Spain's Carmen Martinez Villanueva, assisted by Badminton Ireland's event officer Cheryl Evans, a member of Badminton Europe's Women in Sport working group.

Among the technical officers is Ireland's Olympic official Carol Ui Fhearghail. In co-operation with the Irish Sports Council, Badminton Ireland has organised a number of "Women in Sport" initiatives over the past four years, including summer camps for girls, club initiatives for women and the 'Women in the Chair' project for technical officials.

The Fyffes Irish Future Series is the Ireland's National Badminton Week, when clubs all over the country open their doors to new members with special coaching and fun events for all ages.

Play in the Fyffes Irish Future Series tournament begins with qualifying rounds for the men's singles on Thursday October 11; main draw matches start on Friday October 12,with finals on Sunday afternoon. Top seed in the women's singles is Perrine Le Buhanic from France, with Ireland's Sinead Chambers at No 2. Matthew Wigardt from Sweden is the No 1 men's seed. A total of 97 players from all over Europe has entered. Full draws and times here.

* Female technical officials who would like to take part in the event, contact Badminton Ireland on info@badmintonireland.com.