Denmark’s National Olympic Committee has opened nominations for its ‘Teammate of the Year’ award, recognizing the best sports teammate in Denmark under 18 who fosters team spirit and inclusion in local clubs.
Award Celebrates Positive Youth Contributions in Sports
The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF), supported by the A.P. Møller Foundation, has launched its annual search for Denmark’s best young teammate. As part of the “Future Sports for Children and Youth” initiative, the award honors individuals under the age of 18 who go above and beyond to cultivate a welcoming and supportive environment within their sports teams. Being a good sports teammate in Denmark is just as important as winning.
The nomination period for the ‘Teammate of the Year’ is now open and will run until October 19, 2025. Finalists will be selected later in the month, and the winner will be announced during Denmark’s national sports gala, Sport 2025, held in Herning on January 3, 2026. Anyone can nominate a young sports teammate in Denmark who deserves it.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Friends, coaches, volunteers, parents, and other community members are invited to nominate young athletes who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, empathy, and team commitment. The award focuses not on raw athletic achievement, but on the less visible, though equally vital, social fabric of youth sports.
Eligible nominees are active under-18 participants in local sports clubs who help foster inclusion, boost team morale, and make practices and games enjoyable for everyone.
Financial Prizes Encourage Team Involvement
The winner of the award will receive a DKK 50,000 ($7,100) voucher intended for a group experience shared with their entire team or sports club. The two remaining finalists will each receive DKK 10,000 ($1,400) to be used for similar team-building activities.
This focus on shared experiences reflects the core purpose of the award: not just to honor the individual, but to reinforce the collective power of positive team culture in sports settings.
Broader Goals Behind ‘Future Sports for Children and Youth’
The award is one of several efforts within the larger framework of the initiative “Future Sports for Children and Youth,” a major project funded by an 85 million DKK ($12 million) grant from the A.P. Møller Foundation. The initiative, launched and managed by DIF, runs over five years and aims to increase participation, improve wellbeing, and enhance coaching quality across Denmark’s youth sports landscape.
Denmark’s sports federation, DIF, is an umbrella organization for 62 national sports federations. Under its umbrella are approximately 6,000 sports associations focused on children and young people, with around 900,000 members under 18.
Previous Winner Set an Example
In 2024, the award was given to Jana Uqqar, a taekwondo athlete from Kolding Taekwondo Club Sil’la, who stood out for her efforts in ensuring every club member felt welcome and supported. Her recognition has become a motivational story across other youth clubs.
Why Social Bonds Matter in Youth Sports
Research confirms that strong social connections often determine how long children and teens stay involved in sports. Feeling accepted and part of a community can play a bigger role in retention than performance alone. Organizers of the award hope the recognition and prizes further embed positive social habits in local clubs, creating life-long memories and friendships.
How to Nominate
The nomination form and detailed criteria for the best sports teammate in Denmark can be accessed through the DIF website at www.dif.dk/holdkammerat. Nominations are accepted until October 19, 2025. A panel of judges will review submissions and select three finalists by October 27.
By honoring the impact of character and camaraderie in sports, Denmark continues its efforts to prioritize mental wellbeing and inclusion in youth athletic environments. The ‘Teammate of the Year’ award stands as both a tribute and a reminder that good sportsmanship starts with good people.
