Shooting Sports Gain Popularity Among Youth in Berlin and Brandenburg

The shooting sports community in Berlin and Brandenburg is experiencing a notable increase in membership, a trend particularly driven by the involvement of young people. Although children are not permitted to handle air rifles, shooting clubs have adapted by providing various alternative activities suitable for younger participants.

In 2024, the number of sports shooters in the region rose by 13%, paralleling growth rates seen in football and basketball, according to data from the State Sports Federation. However, in terms of total membership numbers, shooting sports still trail behind these more mainstream sports.

The Brandenburg Shooting Association reported achieving a record membership in 2023, although specific data for 2024 remains unavailable. Peter Scheulin, deputy head of the shooting division at the Spandau Sports Association, noted that membership numbers are bouncing back post-pandemic, following a period of decline due to COVID-19.

Among the new sign-ups, there is a significant influx of young individuals. For those under the age of twelve, who are restricted from using air rifles, clubs offer engaging alternatives. For instance, the Skate Biathlon allows participants as young as five to engage in shooting activities using laser-based systems.

Additionally, Scheulin emphasized the accessibility of blowgun shooting, which is particularly appealing for children as it imposes no age restrictions. The sport provides a straightforward entry point for youth interested in shooting.

Archery is also on the rise, as noted by Andreas Raddatz, youth officer of the Bernau Shooting Guild, which is in the process of establishing a new archery department. This initiative aims to make the sport more accessible to younger demographics, although it is already nearing capacity for adult members.

Raddatz observed a steady increase in youth participation over recent decades, despite a slight recent downturn in new registrations. The growing interest in shooting sports among children and adolescents reflects broader trends within the region's sporting landscape.