Membership growth in the sports circle: But where is the commitment?

Membership growth in the sports circle: But where is the commitment?

Hersfeld-Rotenburg, Deutschland - The sports landscape in Hesse shows an interesting picture: While the number of members in the clubs rise, there is also a worrying lack of committed. The Hersfeld-Rotenburg sports district reported an increase of 51,000 members compared to the previous year. A total of 2,265,048 people in 7343 clubs are now active, which shows that club sport is still very popular. Nevertheless, the sports circle is in the dilemma, because it does not have enough volunteers to look after the increasing number of members, reports HNA .

A look at the membership structures reveals that the number of members in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district increased from 48,885 in 2023 to 49,632 in 2024. A large number of new members have been recorded, especially to the delight of the football and gymnastics clubs. At the same time, however, other associations, such as the deaf sports association and the triathlon association, are fighting with stagnating numbers. The demographic development also shows that the average age of the sports club members is quite high, with most of them between 41 and 60 years or even older.

where are the volunteers?

Although many clubs, such as the TV Hersfeld with 1750 members and a significant new growth, develop positively, the problem of a lack of voluntary work remains serious. The shooting club Herrido Weiterode, for example, had to decide on its dissolution because no new first chairman could be found. This is not an isolated case, because the lack of instructors and board members run through many Hessian sports clubs. A phenomenon that is not only locally, but also discussed nationwide, such as SPIEGEL described in detail.

The challenges for the clubs are complex: on the one hand, the decline of young people who want to get involved in clubs in the long term is taken into account. Many appreciate more flexible leisure activities and shy away from fixed obligations. The sports district chairman Daniel Iliev complains that the problem of young talent is very dependent on the sport and explains that, for example, positive talent views at clubs such as TG Rotenburg and TV Hersfeld are in bright spots.

an outlook in the future

With all the positive development in the membership growth, the clubs of the sports group face another major hurdle: the financing of the sports facilities. According to the forecasts, the 2026 budget could become critical of Hessian sports clubs. A need for around two million euros threatens, which could endanger the existence of many smaller clubs. It is all the more important to observe the current situation closely and take measures to put the commitment on sustainable legs.

A study by the Stifterverband also shows that the number of sports clubs registered in Germany fell from over 91,000 in 2011 to under 87,000 in 2023, which is alarming for the future of club sports. The positive tendency in memberships must not hide the falling number of sports clubs, as well as Stifter Association

The development in Hessian sport remains exciting. It will be shown whether the clubs can master the challenges and in the future not only exist as a member hotspot, but also as places of the community and volunteering.