Data from Sport England shows record numbers of young people playing badminton

January 17, 2024

A record number of children and young people took part in the country's most popular racquet sport last year, according to new data from Sport England.

The Children and Youth Active Life Survey for the 2022/23 school year found that an estimated 421,400 children and youth ages 5 to 16 played badminton at least once within a week of the survey.

The reports began in the 2017/18 academic year, when an estimated 350,700 participants played badminton.

This year, a year-over-year increase of more than 30,000 was reported (388,700 estimated participants) and all school years saw a year-over-year increase.

This data represents a record high since the baseline, with the highest growth recorded in secondary schools (years 7 to 11).

Initiatives such as Kids for a Quid and The Racket Pack have helped to boost these numbers and Badminton England will continue to increase participation across the country through similar projects.

In the 2022/23 academic year, participation among boys was higher than among girls, in line with previous years, and work continues to address any imbalances in the data.

Badminton England's 10-year strategy will continue to work on participation rates, facilities, coaching, youth pathways and all areas of the sport to inspire even more young people to get involved in badminton.

These results are extremely encouraging in an Olympic year where grassroots badminton continues to draw inspiration from those on the world stage.

Sue Storey, chief executive of Badminton England, said: “I’m pleased to see these figures among more young people than ever before before they take up badminton.”

“We launched our strategy last year with a clear focus on youth and inclusion.

“It’s fantastic to see the strategy being put into action as more and more young people are inspired to pick up a racket, regardless of their background.”

“I can’t wait to see what further progress we make in 2024 – badminton truly is a sport for everyone and everyone at Badminton England works incredibly hard to ensure we get as many people on the court as possible.”