fantaman - remember why you go gliding. It's for fun yes! It's not because you've joined an airline, there they pay you and here you pay them. So the first thing, enjoy. If anybody tries to make it an unpleasant experience, have nothing further to do with them! As for clubs, the advice given above is good. Finally, I have to agree with Legalapproach about your confidence on doing the badge when you are not sure where it will be!
Have Fun.
PM