Record number of volunteer sports coaches complete training in Denmark

A record 15,927 volunteer coaches in Denmark completed training programs in 2024, nearly doubling last year’s figure, according to figures released by Danmarks Idrætsforbund (DIF), the national sports federation.

The surge in trained coaches means children and young athletes are increasingly met by adults equipped with both technical and pedagogical skills, the federation states. In 2023, 8,835 coaches completed such training—less than half of this year’s total.

Emil Peter Søhus, an education consultant at DIF, said the rise reflects a broader shift in expectations. “For children, this means encountering a competent adult who is truly prepared to welcome them,” he told DR. “We’re not just teaching sports. We’re shaping well-rounded young people who grow up to lead good lives in society.”

Research from the Center for Youth Studies supports this approach. Ayse Kosar Larsen, the center’s director, noted that modern children often need guidance in basic social interactions—such as greeting peers—which trained coaches can provide. Studies show that when coaches actively foster teamwork, recognition of good camaraderie (not just athletic skill), and inclusive environments, young athletes report stronger bonds, more friendships, and greater enthusiasm for returning.

Parental and societal expectations of coaches have also evolved, Søhus added. “Today’s coaches face demands comparable to those of professional teachers, yet they’re volunteers who often spend more time with children than school staff. Our training helps bridge that gap.”

While DIF acknowledges no direct causal link between trained coaches and membership retention, Søhus believes the focus on well-being plays a role. Clubs where coaches prioritize psychological needs and motivation consistently rank highest in athlete satisfaction.

DIF oversees 63 sports associations—from badminton to archery—with over two million members nationwide, including nearly 900,000 children and youth.