Handball clubs across Denmark are experiencing a surge in membership, reaching 115,745 members in 2024, more than recovering from pandemic losses. The growth spans all regions, age groups, and genders, with young players praising the sport’s strong sense of community and team spirit.
Record Growth in Handball Participation
Denmark’s handball scene is booming. After a sharp dip during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021, membership numbers have climbed steadily, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, Danish handball clubs recorded 115,745 members nationwide, according to figures from Denmark’s Sports Confederation.
This growth represents a significant recovery for the sport. In 2021, membership fell to just 98,217 as lockdowns and restrictions forced many clubs to pause activities. However, the sport has bounced back stronger than before, exceeding the 2019 figure of 105,717 members.
The resurgence isn’t limited to one area or demographic. All four Danish regions have seen increases in handball participation, with growth occurring across both genders and all age groups.
Young Players Embrace Team Spirit
At HIK-Rosendal in Hobro, a northern Jutland club, membership has more than doubled over the past four years. Young players like Ida Sofie Jensen, who plays on the U11 team, are enthusiastic about what makes handball special.
The players emphasize the supportive atmosphere on their teams. Agnes Jensen notes that handball helped her form friendships with classmates she didn’t previously know well. Through playing together, those relationships deepened significantly.
For Astrid Jacobsen, who has played handball for nearly four years, scoring goals and celebrating victories with teammates are among the best parts of the sport. The collective joy of winning together creates memorable moments that keep young players engaged.
National Team Success Drives Interest
Heino Knudsen, director of Danish Handball, believes the success of both the men’s and women’s national teams has contributed to increased interest in the sport. As Denmark’s national teams compete at high levels internationally, more people are drawn to try handball themselves.
The timing of this growth coincides with continued strong performances by Danish handball teams on the world stage. The visibility of these elite competitions inspires young athletes and encourages families to get involved with local clubs.
More Than Just a Sport
Beyond the numbers and victories, Knudsen emphasizes that handball’s real value lies in community building. The sport creates connections that extend beyond individual achievements.
Volunteers in clubs across Denmark dedicate time every day to ensure children, teenagers, and adults have opportunities to participate. They organize training sessions, secure equipment, provide uniforms, and create welcoming environments where people can be part of something larger than themselves.
This volunteer effort represents a significant contribution to Danish society. When local clubs thrive, they strengthen communities and provide healthy activities for people of all ages. The growth in sports membership reflects a broader trend of Danes seeking active, social ways to spend their time.
Pandemic Recovery and Beyond
The coronavirus pandemic tested Denmark’s sports clubs severely. With facilities closed and group activities restricted, membership numbers plummeted. Handball saw its lowest point in 2021, losing thousands of members compared to previous years.
Naturally, clubs worried about whether participants would return once restrictions lifted. The strong comeback demonstrates the enduring appeal of team sports and organized athletic activities.
The 2022 figures showed early signs of recovery, with membership climbing back above 103,000. By 2023, the numbers had surpassed pre-pandemic levels, reaching 107,666 members. The 2024 figures represent continued momentum, suggesting that handball has not only recovered but is attracting new participants who might not have joined before.
Community Building Through Sport
At its core, handball’s growth reflects something deeper than athletic achievement. The sport creates spaces where people connect, support each other, and work toward common goals. For young players especially, these experiences shape how they relate to others and understand teamwork.
In fact, the enthusiasm of young players like those at HIK-Rosendal demonstrates why the sport continues to attract new members. When children enjoy their experience and feel supported by teammates, they become ambassadors for the sport, encouraging friends to join.
The steady increase in membership suggests Danish handball clubs are doing something right. By focusing on community, inclusivity, and positive experiences, they’ve created an environment where more people want to participate. As the sport continues growing, it strengthens the fabric of Danish communities one team at a time.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Sports Membership Hits Record High in 2024
The Danish Dream: Best Gyms in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Håndboldklubber boomer i medlemmer: På vores hold er vi rigtig gode til at heppe på hinanden
