• badminton image by Pontus Edenberg from Fotolia.com
  
  Although badminton is not one of the most popular sports in the United States, it has a history that can be traced back 2,000 years to ancient Greece. In 1870, the game became known as badminton, being named by the Duke of Beaufort after Badminton House in Gloucestershire, according to the Official Badminton website. After going between India and England, the National Badminton Federation was established in 1934. Since then, the sport has become more popular as a recreation and a sport. Today, you can find opportunities to play badminton all over the United States, including at clubs in Atlanta. If you are not permitted to play at the clubs due to membership regulations, there's always an opportunity to start your own badminton club.
  
  

Georgia State University Badminton Club

• This club is open to GSU students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the student recreation center at the university. The club was founded upon the principle to "promote badminton among club members," according to the club's website, and all members must abide by the constitution of the club. There is no fee involved. Practices are held on Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.; Fridays from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. on campus in the OMNI Center (the school's student recreation center). To learn more about becoming a member of the student recreation center, visit the SRC membership section of the school's website, but generally memberships are not open to the general public.
  
  

Perimeter Badminton Club

• Perimeter Badminton Club is a "members only club" that is open to the community. Each season, only 50 players are permitted to play; however, you have the chance to be wait-listed if its player quota is exceeded. If you are interested in playing, as per the club's website, you should contact Joe Tjoe at stjoe2007@gmail.com. Badminton times are Wednesday and Sunday nights from 7:30 to 10:30 pm.
  
  

Georgia Tech Badminton Club

• Georgia Tech students, faculty and staff members, alumni or spouse are invited to become members of the Georgia Tech Badminton Club. To play, you must pay a $10 fee per semester. Members receive coaching tips during regularly held practices. The practices are geared toward those who compete in tournaments such as the Georgia Games, with a chance to be reimbursed for travel expenses.