Club History and Achievements

YM Exiles (formerly YMCA) is one of the longest running badminton clubs in Ipswich, with a very rich history that spans over nearly 80 years. Badminton of course, dates back much further. There is some dispute over the exact origins of badminton, but the game as we know it was believed to be created by British military officers stationed in in British India in the early 1800’s. The game was brought back by these retired officers and the name given by the Duke of Beaufort, after Badminton House.

It remained an elite sport, being played normally by the officers or members of the elite class. Indeed in early 1930’s members of the YMCA tennis club were looking for a winter time activity to play out of the tennis season. They decided to play badminton and so Colin Hall formed the YMCA Badminton Club.

Badminton and most indoor sports ceased in 1939 due the Second World war, as the halls were requisitioned for furniture stores to aid the war effort. After the end of the war, in 1945, the YMCA badminton club was reformed. They played in a single court hall in the Social Hall, but then the YMCA badminton club was awarded a grant from the Central Council for Physical Recreation to build a new sports hall facility.

Following many decades of success and being proud to call the YMCA our home venue, unfortunately one key impact of the 2020-22 Covid pandemic was the loss of the hall.

This led to relocation of the club, as well as it being renamed YM Exiles.

The Ipswich and District Badminton League was formed to allow clubs from around the County to play in a competitive and structured league. The YMCA has enjoyed a lot of success through the years since its formation.

While we have had a lot of success winning trophies, it has never been our only goal. YM EXILES badminton club supports the development of the game, and all people who wish to participate, whatever their goals and abilities.

As a club, we have always had a successful club night and varying levels of teams to accommodate people of all skill levels, run exchange programmes with schools, participated in the Youth Games and many of our players representing the Suffolk team over past and current seasons.

STEPHEN SMITH

On Wednesday 19 February 2025 Stephen Smith (94) sadly passed away after a short illness. We offer our condolences to the family for their loss.

The impact that Stephen has had on the badminton community in Suffolk both as a player and as a dedicated and enthusiastic volunteer is very significant. A lifelong member of Ipswich YMCA, which he joined in 1945, and the YM Badminton Club he has undertaken a number of roles with both club and county association contributing significantly to the sport in a variety of different aspects, helping to promote and manage badminton locally in the wider community.

As a member of Suffolk Badminton Association Council for over 75 years, he was not only the longest serving member but also the youngest joining at just 16 years of age. Over the years he undertook a variety of roles within the association including Chair of the Senior County Teams and as the voting representative for Suffolk at Badminton England’s Council meetings. Stephen has shown unwavering support of badminton across the county promoting participation in the sport at every opportunity.

Stephen’s love for badminton both as a player, he was County Singles Champion for at least 8 consecutive years, and as an administrator was very evident. He was involved in a wide spectrum of different activities around the sport including many years volunteering at the Badminton England’s Inter County Tournament (ICT) for U18’s, competitive play for Suffolk and local community groups and mentoring and coaching players. He was tireless in his efforts to champion the sport both locally and nationally and a vehement supporter, instrumental in raising the profile. This was further evidenced as Stephen was also a recipient of Badminton England’s English Badminton Award for services to the sport.

So many players have benefitted from Stephen’s help and advice and his contribution remained undiminished over time and should not be underestimated. He was a very special volunteer and friend to so many, a stalwart of the sport across Suffolk. He will be sadly missed by so many.

Mike Tee (Chair of YM Exiles & Suffolk Badminton Association)