Solibad Expands to the UK

Paris (FR), Milton Keynes (UK), 8 December 2025

Solibad is delighted to announce a significant expansion of its international presence through an exciting new partnership with Badminton England, following a similar collaboration with Badminton Wales earlier this year.

This major development marks a new era for Solibad, extending our global reach and strengthening our mission to connect the world of badminton with vital social causes.

A New Chapter for Solibad’s Global Outreach

This partnership represents a dual opportunity:

• Expanded Outreach – This collaboration creates an important pathway to reach children in low-income communities across the UK, using badminton as a tool for empowerment and inclusion.

• Increased Support for Global Projects – By working closely with UK National Governing Bodies, we aim to increase income and resources to support both existing and future programmes in low- and middle-income countries around the world.

Solibad and Badminton England Sign Promising MoU

Following discussions during the World Championships in Paris, Solibad and Badminton England have agreed to work together to support children living in vulnerable conditions, both in the UK and internationally, through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on 1 December 2025.

Badminton England will be able to collect funds on behalf of Solibad through fundraising activities, with 100% of donations going directly to Solibad programmes.

In addition, through Badminton England’s “BE Green” initiative, donated second-hand badminton equipment will be used in joint programmes in the UK or distributed to children in other countries. Solibad will also be present at key UK events to promote its work.

Quotes

“We are truly delighted to begin this partnership with Badminton England and look forward to making a difference together. The United Kingdom has always been a land of opportunity for Solibad, with wonderful ambassadors. Creating a new and special bond with the national governing body is exciting, and I am certain that we will create new milestones for both badminton and solidarity.”

— Raphael Sachetat, Solibad Founder

“Badminton England is delighted to be supporting Solibad in making a difference across the badminton community on a global scale. We’re grateful to Raphael and the whole Solibad team for the opportunity to collaborate on such meaningful projects and look forward to learning from their expertise as our partnership begins.

“With two England players, Krysten Coombs and Estelle Van Leeuwen, already acting as key ambassadors for the project, we are eager to engage in several initiatives and see the positive impact badminton can bring.”

— Sue Storey, CEO of Badminton England

Welcome to Our New UK Coordinator

To lead this new phase, we are pleased to welcome Alex Lawrence-Berkeley as Solibad’s official UK Coordinator.

Alex is an experienced business leader and passionate badminton player and coach based near London. His club was the first in the UK to sign the Solibad Charter and has already benefited from donated equipment through Solibad’s network—an ideal example of the grassroots impact we aim to achieve.

“I stumbled across Solibad by accident and was immediately captivated by the values of ‘Badminton Without Borders’. I’ve worked hard to remove barriers to access in my local area, so being able to help others do the same around the world is something I care deeply about. I believe we can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

England-based influencer and YouTuber Dr Chun Keat Yew, better known as CK Yew, is also a Solibad ambassador and will use his creativity to support the partnership.

How to Get Involved

UK clubs, leagues, and County/Regional Associations are invited to sign the Solibad Charter—the first step towards making a difference while having fun!

Individuals (players or not) can join Solibad as official members for an annual fee of £50.

But above all, we want you to start imagining possibilities: What local projects could you create that Solibad can support? Our mission is to help transform your passion for badminton into positive social action in your community.

For news and updates on how to take part and support our work worldwide, subscribe to the Solibad International Newsletter.

This expansion demonstrates Solibad’s commitment to building a truly global movement—uniting the badminton community in creating positive impact, locally and internationally. The adventure continues!