Rising badminton star Matthew Lightbody has set himself a huge target of becoming the top player in Europe at Under - 13 Level.

"My aim next season is to be the European No1 at U13, but this will be tough and I will have to train and play hard. I will have to step up my training but am looking forward to the challenge" said Matthew.

A member of Alpha Badminton Club Lisburn, Matthew jetted off to the Netherlands to spend the last few days of 2008 at the prestigious event which boasted 450 entries with 15 countries being represented. This badminton event is organised by Badminton Club Victoria from Hoensbroek and is open to the best junior players in Europe.

Matthew started off with the singles event and due to the late withdrawal of one he other players in his group he only had to play one match to proceed the knockout stages. He had to play against the Belgian number 1 Louison Dury. Matthew was definitely up for the match and came through 21-7, 21-5. This led to a quarter final clash with the Dutch number 1 Joran Kweekel. Matthew started well, winning the first set 21-5 and his movement and weight of shot was too strong and he secured the second set 21-10. The following day he continued his run of form and after his semi final opponent failed to appear having watched Matthew perform the day before he progressed to the final of the U11 singles against the Dutch number 2 Noah Jongen. Matthew was simply too good and outplayed Noah winning the match and the title 21-4, 21-6.

Matthew then teamed up with Joran Kweekel in the Boys Doubles to defeat Dutch pair and number 2 seeds, Noah Jongen and his partner Alex Terpstra  21-12, 21-13 and then had  another straight sets victory over fellow Dutch pair Jorg van Beurden  and Boyd Brekelmans 21-7, 21-13 to finish top of their group.

This then set up a semi final battle with the Belgian number 1 pairing of Louison Dury and Lucas Fallais. Matthew and Joran played very well and their placing of shuttle was too good for the Belgian pair and Matthew and Joran where victors with a score line of 21-13, 21-12.  Progressing to the final then set up a match against Danish number 1 seeds, Emil Langemark and Karl Thor Sondergaard. The first game was close with some big hitting from Matthew and Joran and rightfully winning the first set 21-16. The second set was easier with Matthew and Joran winning 21-13 and Matthew picking up his second title of the day.

In the Mixed doubles he had been paired with Laura Demmelmayer of Austria. Having not been seeded they were drawn into the number 1 seeds group.  They played fast, attacking badminton and this showed in their great results defeating top Danes Sofie Luhtje and Emil Langemark 21-7,   21-7. Then they were victorious over the Dutch pairing Debora Jille and Noah Jongen in straight sets. They had progressed to the semi final stages of the competition were they played another Danish pair, Frederik Knudsen and Alberte Molgaard. The Danes were no match for Matthew and Laura this time as they took the match with ease 21-5, 21-6. This set up yet another final for Matthew. They played the strong number 1 Dutch pair Tamara van der Hoeven and Joran Kweekel. The first set was close and could have went either way but the Dutch pair just stole it 21-17. The second set was not as close but Matthew and Laura played a lot better than the score line suggests but lost it 21-7. The Dutch pair were just too good on the day which left Matthew and Laura collecting the runner up prize.

Matthew currently trains at Alpha badminton Club 4 - 5 times per week under the close supervision of coach Trevor Woods. On reflection after winning this prestigious event Matthew now wants to take the Irish U13 Championship singles title in March were his main opposition will be in the form of his brother Ross, another outstanding prospect.