FUNCTIONING OF THE BADMINTON CLUB SYSTEM: THE DАNІSH EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Among European countries, Denmark holds leading positions in badminton. Danish athletes have won a significant number of medals at World and European Championships and became the only European team to win the Thomas Cup. At the same time, badminton in Denmark is a massparticipation and nationally popular sport. A key role in its development is played by an extensive club system, the experience of which is valuable for Ukraine in the context of European integration. The aim is the experience of organizing the badminton club system in Denmark in order to implement best practices in the national sport system. Methods: analysis of literature sources, documentary materials, and information from official organizational websites; synthesis and generalization; comparison; systems approach. The results. Denmark is the undisputed European leader in terms of the relative rate of population involvement in badminton (1,47 %). The country implements a socially oriented, decentralized model of sports development with minimal state intervention, within which the Ministry of Culture coordinates and supports sport through funding, anti-doping policy, and the organization of international events in partnership with the civil sector and specialized bodies. The National Olympic Committee and the Danish Sports Confederation (DIF) act as the main umbrella organization for elite sport, uniting 61 federations that encompass about 14 000 clubs. The Badminton Denmark federation, as a member of DIF, demonstrates high standards of good governance and systemic development – from grassroots sport to elite training – through club support, centralized membership registration, and a network of training centers. Public organizations play a key role in mass sport: the Danish Gymnastics and Sports Associations (DGI), as well as corporate (DAJ) and school sports associations (DSS), which unite regional branches, develop volunteer movements, promote staff education, and support socially oriented sports initiatives. Joint programs of public organizations, together with the activities of sports clubs, ensure broad public engagement in regular physical activity. Denmark occupies a leading position in Europe in terms of population involvement in badminton, due to historical traditions and an effective, socially oriented model of sports organization. Its characteristic features include decentralized governance, autonomy of sports organizations, and a partnership-based role of the state. The key element of the system is sports clubs, particularly multisport clubs in grassroots sport, which ensure accessibility, social integration, and sustained participation. The separation of functions between grassroots sport and elite sport structures allows for the effective combination of widespread public engagement in physical activity with the training of elite athletes. At the same time, the activities of umbrella organizations are based not on competition but on shared values. Denmark’s experience is relevant for reforming Ukraine’s sports system.