In the past two years, the number of girls under the age of 18 participating in sports clubs in vulnerable housing areas has seen a significant increase of almost 30 percent. This is according to a new report from the Danish Sports Confederation (DIF), which shows an increase from 3649 to 4714 active female members from 2021 to 2023. This positive development is attributed to DIF’s “Get2Sport” initiative, designed to support volunteers and improve facilities in sports clubs in these areas. The program includes assistance such as transport support for competitions and hiring staff to address social challenges within the clubs.
Municipalities play a central role in the implementation of Get2Sport, as they receive funds to make the necessary improvements and hire staff. This has resulted in more volunteers stepping up to be coaches or assistant coaches, as they no longer have to worry about the social and practical issues that may arise.
Kristina Lind Thrane, project manager for DIF Get2Sport, emphasizes the importance of role models in these associations. “It is crucial that young people have someone to look up to, which not only motivates them to continue in the associations, but also inspires more to volunteer,” she says.
Experiences from clubs such as Boldklubben Union in Copenhagen also show that when girls enjoy the sport and the community, they are more likely to continue and invite their friends to join. The club has seen a doubling in the number of girls in the past five years. The Get2Sport program is now active in 75 clubs across 25 Danish municipalities and is supported by the Nordea Foundation in collaboration with DIF and the local municipalities.