A record number of adults participated in badminton last year, according to new data released by Sport England.
Figures from the latest Active Lives report indicates that 810,000 people played badminton regularly (twice in the last 28 days) between November 2023 and November 2024 – a 6% increase from the figure of 762,900 recorded from the previous year and the highest recorded since between November 2017 and November 18.
Badminton England is on a mission to encourage more people to return to court and initiatives like No Strings Badminton (NSB) and its new junior participation programme, Shuttle Stars, have been designed to create low-cost, fun and friendly environments where everyone can practice and play at their own pace.
The governing body’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy and Commonwealth Games Legacy project has continued to be a success, with participation levels among both sexes increasing compared to last year.
The figures show a 12% year on year increase for female participation, rising from 284,200 to 317,700 and a 3% year on year increase for male participation, ascending from 474,100 to 486,700.
The data backs the wider findings from Sport England that sport activity numbers are continuing their recovery to pre-Covid participation levels.
In September 2023, Badminton England launched Badminton – A Sport for Everyone, a 10-year strategy for badminton in England.
Now in its second year of operation, the strategy has already borne fruit and Badminton England remains committed to ensuring the sport remains open, accessible and inclusive to all.
The full Active Lives report can be found here.
Image credit: Yves Lacroix/BadmintonPhoto
Badminton’s Resurgence: Participation Soars in England, Sport England Data Reveals
Table of Contents
The findings from Sport England’s latest Active Lives report paint a promising picture for badminton in England. The sport, known for its accessibility and inclusive nature, witnessed a significant surge in participation, reaching heights not seen in years. The data, encompassing the period from november 2023 to november 2024, underscores the effectiveness of Badminton England’s strategic initiatives and the sport’s growing appeal across diverse demographics.
All-Time High: Badminton participation Numbers
Key highlights from the report reveal a remarkable increase in the number of adults regularly engaging with badminton. The most striking statistic shows 810,000 individuals playing badminton at least twice in the last 28 days. This marks a 6% rise compared to the 762,900 recorded the previous year and represents the highest participation level since the 2017-2018 period. This resurgence signals a strong recovery from the challenges posed by the pandemic and signifies the sport’s enduring popularity.
Driving Forces: Initiatives and Strategies
Badminton England’s proactive approach has undoubtedly fueled this growth. Programs such as No Strings Badminton (NSB) and the junior initiative Shuttle Stars specifically target a wider audience. These programs prioritize creating welcoming, affordable, and fun environments where participants of all abilities can learn and play. Badminton England’s commitment to enhancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), including its impactful Commonwealth Games Legacy projects, has played a crucial role in broadening the sport’s appeal, especially among underrepresented groups.
Gender-Specific Growth: A Positive Trend
The recent data showcases encouraging growth across both genders, reflecting the sport’s inclusive reach. Female participation witnessed a substantial 12% year-on-year increase, soaring from 284,200 to 317,700.Male participation also saw a positive trend, growing by 3% from 474,100 to 486,700. These figures underscore how well Badminton England’s efforts resonate across different demographics, contributing substantially to overall community engagement.
Badminton’s Strategic Vision: A Decade of Growth
Launched in September 2023, “Badminton – A sport for Everyone,” is the driving force behind strategic planning for the sport in England. This 10-year strategy lays the foundation for continued growth by focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and ensuring badminton caters to all. Already demonstrating its effectiveness in its second year, the strategy’s impact validates Badminton England’s dedication to creating an open and welcoming environment for every player.
Badminton Participation: Key Data Summary (November 2023 – November 2024)
| Metric | Value | Percentage Change (Year-over-Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Adult Participants (Regular Players) | 810,000 | +6% |
| Female Participants | 317,700 | +12% |
| Male Participants | 486,700 | +3% |
Table Caption: A snapshot highlighting the key data points from Sport England’s Active Lives report, showcasing the growth and inclusivity of badminton.
SEO-Amiable FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions about Badminton in England
This section addresses common questions about badminton in England, helping readers understand the sport’s current state and future outlook.
Q: What does “regularly” mean in the context of badminton participation?
A: In this report, “regularly” means playing badminton at least twice within a 28-day period.
Q: What initiatives are driving the increase in badminton participation?
A: Initiatives like No Strings Badminton (NSB) and Shuttle Stars,along with badminton England’s focus on EDI and legacy projects,are key drivers. These programs create fun, welcoming, and accessible environments for players of all skill levels.
Q: Where can I find the full Active Lives report?
A: The complete report is available on the Sport England website.The link is provided at the end of the article.
Q: How is Badminton England ensuring the sport is inclusive?
A: badminton England is implementing its Equality,Diversity,and inclusion (EDI) Strategy and working on Commonwealth Games Legacy projects. These programs aim to make badminton accessible to all genders,ages,abilities,and backgrounds. Their commitment to being “A Sport for Everyone” is also key.
Q: What is Badminton England’s 10-year strategy?
A: “Badminton – A Sport for Everyone” is a comprehensive 10-year plan launched in September 2023. It focuses on creating an environment which ensures the sport remains open, accessible, and inclusive for everyone, as well as driving further growth.
Q: How does this data compare to pre-COVID participation rates?
A: the report indicates that overall sports activity numbers are recovering to pre-COVID participation levels, reflecting a positive trend for all sporting activities in England, badminton included.
