For the third consecutive year, Danish sports associations have broken records, with an all-time high of 2,484,217 members registered in 2024. This marks a 2.4% increase from the previous year, adding 59,302 new members, and showcasing the growing popularity of organised sports in Denmark.
The figures, released jointly by Danmarks Idrætsforbund (DIF) and DGI, underline a robust recovery and expansion of the sports sector after the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We almost can’t keep our arms down in the world of club sports,” said Morten Mølholm, CEO of DIF. “We are attracting a lot of people these years, and we are very happy about that.”
Post-COVID growth surpasses expectations
Following a decline during the 2020 pandemic, Danish sports have added over 250,000 new members in four years. Mølholm highlighted that this not only recovered but far exceeded pre-pandemic levels. “We feared people would forget us. But the numbers show they missed us instead.”
The membership surge stems from multiple fronts: a renewed public interest in physical activity, strategic local efforts to welcome new participants, and a range of modern offerings. According to Charlotte Bach, chair of DGI,
“This new membership record is fantastic news. Local clubs, both in cities and rural areas, are making a significant difference for individuals and communities.”
Fitness and padel drive new trends
While traditional sports like football (fodbold), gymnastics (gymnastik), swimming (svømning), and golf continue to grow, it’s newer activities like fitness and padel that stand out. “These sports meet people where they are,” said Mølholm, noting their appeal to Danes unfamiliar with traditional club culture.
Handball revival thanks to child-friendly programs
One of the most surprising success stories is handball (håndbold), a sport that had seen declining numbers from 2012 to 2021. This trend has reversed, thanks in large part to initiatives like Trille og Trolle, a playful programme targeting children aged 0-12.
“Handball for kids now focuses on fun and movement before competition,” explained Heino Knudsen, CEO of Dansk Håndbold. The sport registered 8,000 new members in 2023 alone, reaching its highest count since 2009.
Girls and women driving growth in football
The Dansk Boldspil-Union (DBU) also saw positive developments, especially in women’s football. A 5.9% increase in female participation brought 4,441 new players. DBU’s chairman Jesper Møller credits long-term investment and projects like Get Movin’, which not only attracted girls to football but also drew their mothers into leadership roles within clubs.
“That was unexpected,” Møller said. “But it strengthens our community at every level.”
Volunteers remain the backbone of success
Both DIF and DGI emphasized the critical role of volunteers. Mølholm stressed the importance of continued support: “We must keep recognising and rewarding our volunteers. Their work is what makes these results possible.”
With optimism running high, stakeholders hope the upward trend continues. “I hope it lasts,” Mølholm added, “but I hardly dare believe it.”
