by Eva Berthelsen Schmidt & Karsten Elmose-Østerlund
Vol. 16 2025, pages 99–131
Published May 12, 2025
https://doi.org/10.24834/sssf.16.99
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the organisational capacity (OC) in voluntary sports clubs (VSCs), but there is a paucity of studies that have used qualitative methods to examine OC in relation to membership growth. Against that background, this article sets out to identify critical capacities for membership growth in VSCs. Data was collected through telephone interviews with 49 Danish VSCs, all of which reported significantly growing membership numbers over a five-year period. We made a thematic analysis, using the OC theory from Hall et al. (2003) to identify critical capacities in relation to membership growth within five capacity dimensions, comprising human resource capacity, financial capacity, infrastructure, and process capacity, planning and development capacity, and relationship and network capacity. In conclusion, our study identified critical capacities for membership growth that other studies on OC in VSCs have found to be important for goal achievement, but we also identified differences in the role of some capacities. For instance, the clubs in our study were not very formalised in their work with club development, but rather had an adaptable mindset and worked to recruit and retain members as part of their day-to-day operations. Further, that passionate and competent volunteers, the centrality of local community involvement and collaboration, financial stability, and the ability to make innovative use of facilities are capacities driving for membership growth in VSCs.
About the Authors
EVA BERTHELSEN SCHMIDT is a PhD student at the Centre for Sports, Health and Civil Society at the University of Southern Denmark. She has a master’s degree in sports science and has previously worked at the Danish Sports Confederation. This has naturally fostered a strong interest in organised sport and its development, as well as in how equal access to physical activity can be ensured for all. Recently, Eva has written about sports and exercise participation among immigrants and descendants. Her PhD project examines initiatives and co-production in relation to sustainable sports facilities.
KARSTEN ELMOSE-ØSTERLUND is an Associate Professor in sports sociology at the Centre for Sports, Health and Civil Society at the University of Southern Denmark. He has a master’s degree in sports science and political science. Karsten’s primary research topics include sports and physical activity participation; the organisation of sport, including sports clubs; and social integration in sport. He has implemented a number of both national and international studies on these topics.
