Enormous popularity of handball in Denmark – 115,745 registered players in 2024
According to the latest membership report from DanskHåndbold, popularity of handball in Denmark is booming. which is published on the same day as the Danish Sports Confederation
In total, there were 115,745 registered handball players in 2024. This represents an increase of 8,079 members – or 7.5% – compared to the previous year. It is also the highest membership number for DanskHåndbold since 2009.
“We owe a huge thanks to all the amazing people in the clubs who work tirelessly to make handball a great experience. They are the ones who ensure that there is a handball community for everyone – regardless of age and level. It is also their work and passion that makes our membership numbers rise so significantly,” says Heino Knudsen, director of DanskHåndbold.
Community life is the best social media The increase in membership is seen across both genders and all age groups – from the very young in the Trille Trolle category to teenagers and older players who enjoy senior handball. There are now almost equal numbers of both genders playing handball.
“We are incredibly proud that so many people choose to play handball in a time when there are many other options. In fact, our membership numbers are back to a level from before smartphones became widespread, which confirms that community life is the best social media.”
“We are convinced that being able to offer a strong community, where the focus is primarily on friendships, play, learning, and development, is what makes handball attractive to many across age and gender,” says Heino Knudsen, director of DanskHåndbold.
Geographically, the increase in membership is also fairly even, as the membership numbers in DanskHåndbold’s four regions have increased between 7% and 8.3%.
“Finally, we must not overlook the success of our national teams in recent years. Both the men’s and women’s handball teams have won many medals and hearts. This has meant increased exposure and awareness of handball over the years.”
“This naturally attracts many to the clubs. But because we offer a fun and strong community, which comes before anything else, many also stay. We are incredibly proud of this, as it strengthens our potential to develop both the community and the talent,” says Heino Knudsen.
Mandatory Credit © Sasa Pahic Szabo / kolektiff
