Football is booming in Bavaria

In Bavaria, a federal state in the centre of Europe with a strong football tradition, the latest figures from the Bavarian Football Association (BFV) reflect continued growth in the football sector. The BFV, a key player in German football, has published data that shows a continued upward trend in the sport.

In 2023, 57,637 new player passes were issued by the BFV. This figure represents the second-highest number since records began in 2002. Only in 2006, when Germany hosted the World Cup, were there more new registrations with 61,343. Compared to the previous year, this represents an increase of 4.24 per cent, which corresponds to an increase of 2,344.

BFV President Christoph Kern refers to this growth as an "absolutely positive signal for Bavarian amateur football and our approximately 4,500 football clubs in Bavaria". He emphasises that the enthusiasm for football "is not only unbroken, but remains extremely high".

The detailed figures show that the men's sector recorded the largest percentage increase at 11.1 per cent. An increase of 1,878 new passes (4.25 per cent) was recorded for juniors. The juniors saw an increase of 2.7 per cent, which corresponds to 209 new passes. Only in the women's sector was there a decrease of 4.25 per cent compared to the previous year.

The "On the pitches" and "Let them play" campaigns, which focus on youth development, are two initiatives launched by the BFV after the coronavirus pandemic to strengthen football in the state. These efforts are reflected in the current figures and show the association's commitment to promoting football in Bavaria.

In addition, the number of new clubs in 2023 rose by 6.2 per cent to 59,627, the highest figure since 2017. The largest percentage increase was recorded among juniors in particular, at 28.4 per cent. The juniors recorded the most absolute changes with an increase of 2,532 (10.1 per cent).

Despite the positive trend, President Kern emphasises the importance of keeping players at the club and retaining them in the long term. He underlines the variety of reasons for changing clubs and mentions the ongoing professionalisation of girls' football in Bavaria.

The figures published by the Bavarian Football Association serve as indicators of the current state of football in Bavaria. Among other things, they reflect the results of the association's initiatives and strategies. Bavaria demonstrates through this data how football can contribute to building and maintaining communities.

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