SpielerPlus and FanQ release comprehensive study on the state of recreational sports in 2025

The team management app SpielerPlus and the voting platform FanQ have jointly published a comprehensive study titled “State of Recreational Sports 2025.” With over 20,000 participants, the survey offers in-depth insight into the current state of recreational sports in Germany.

Key findings of the study:

• The Importance of Recreational Sports: A majority of respondents consider recreational sports to be highly relevant to society, particularly with regard to health, social integration, and a sense of community.
• Challenges for Clubs: Participants see the greatest challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers, as well as in the area of finances. This necessitates investments in infrastructure and coaches.
• Need for Support: Many clubs would like to see greater support from local governments, sports associations, and policymakers to ensure the continued existence and further development of recreational sports.

“Recreational sports are the backbone of our sports culture—they bring people together, promote health, and foster values. But the study’s findings clearly show that our clubs need more support to continue fulfilling this important role in the future. With this study, we aim not only to draw attention to the challenges but also to spark positive change,” said Niklas Fahrenholz, Head of Marketing at SpielerPlus, a brand of SPM Sportplatz Media.

“Recreational sports are much more than just exercise—they are a place for social interaction, participation, and the transmission of values. The study’s findings make it clear how important it is to strengthen this social function with concrete political and structural support,” adds Justus Schröer of FanQ.

Study methodology:

The online survey was conducted between April 18 and May 7, 2025, via the FanQ and SpielerPlus platforms. A total of 20,993 people participated, answering questions about their physical activity, club membership, and the challenges they perceive in recreational sports. The questions were designed in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Axel Faix of Dortmund University of Applied Sciences.

About the organizers:

• SpielerPlus: As the leading app for organizing team sports in Germany, SpielerPlus supports over 410,000 teams across more than 120 sports with digital management and communication.
• FanQ: The FanQ voting platform allows sports fans to express their opinions on current topics, thereby contributing to transparency and the formation of public opinion in sports.