The Future of the Sport for Development Sector in Germany

Who we are

The newly founded Sport for Development (S4D) Network Germany is a multi-stakeholder network and, as an umbrella organisation, currently brings together 30 influential German players from:

• Non-governmental organisations/social entrepreneurs (e.g., Bike Bridge, beneFit)
• Sports clubs (e.g., FC International Berlin)
• International networks and umbrella organisations (e.g., Common Goal, Right to Play)
• Foundations (e.g., DFL Foundation, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Germany, step Foundation, ITTF Foundation)
• Academia (e.g., German Sport University Cologne)

What we stand for

We are committed to a society in which everyone belongs equally and in which everyone uses their potential to shape a democratic, socially and ecologically sustainable coexistence on an equal footing. The members of the S4D Network Germany have a wide range of methods and proposals for action to achieve this. The S4D Network Germany creates connectivity through close networking with international players, increases the quality and effectiveness of the German S4D sector and positions itself as a reliable partner both in Germany and globally.

Our contribution to the education and sports landscape

In their election manifestos for the 2025 federal elections, the democratic parties recognise the considerable value of sport and physical activity for social issues such as communicating values, promoting democracy, and fostering inclusion, integration and social cohesion. Across club sport, school sport, commercial sport and informal, self-organised sport, the German sport landscape is centrally supported by civil society (sport) organisations from the social and education sectors.

Our impact

1. We promote social participation and cohesion

With the S4D approach ‘Development through Sport’, we reach target groups that encounter structural, cultural or social barriers in conventional settings (e.g. sports clubs, schools) that make participation difficult or even prevent it. By offering low-threshold sport and movement programmes, civil society organisations in the S4D sector are able to reach vulnerable groups of people, connect them with other social institutions and actively promote their social participation. In addition, the S4D sector creates meeting spaces in which prejudices and alienation are reduced and a sense of belonging can be experienced.

2. We contribute to the capacity for democracy

Democracy places higher demands on its citizens than any other form of government. The idea of participation is considered a central element, which requires ‘democratic competence’ on the part of citizens. The S4D approach offers a promising opportunity to practise democratic competence at a young age, to enable opportunities for participation and to make co-determination tangible. Sport activities - guided in educational settings - are particularly suitable for developing social skills.

3. We provide innovative concepts

Movement, exercise, games and sport do not per se contribute to socially sustainable social development. On the contrary: current social problems such as discrimination, racism, right-wing extremism and marginalisation also occur in sports clubs. Countermeasures by organised sport have a long tradition (e.g. the federal programme ‘Integration through Sport’), but do not always use their full potential. Unlike organised sport, the S4D sector defines tackling the aforementioned social problems as a core task and explicitly aims to promote participation, democracy and the reduction of social inequality.

4. We contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD)

The S4D sector specifically addresses social challenges and contributes to the UNESCO ‘ESD 2030’ programme. Through complementary educational programmes and (international) cooperation, the S4D sector promotes sustainable development at a societal level and contributes to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, SDG 3 ‘Good Health and Well-being’, SDG 4 ‘Quality Education’, SDG 5 ‘Gender Equality’, SDG 10 ‘Reduced Inequalities’ and SDG 17 ‘Partnerships for the Goals’ are key topics that civil society (sports) organisations are working on.

This will only succeed in the future if…

• The potential of the S4D approach is better recognised and fully utilised.
• German sport and education policy are more closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• A coordinating body for sport is established in the Government.

Contact

Sport for Development (S4D) Network Germany e.V.
Based in Frankfurt a.M., registered at Frankfurt Local Court, VR17379
Office address: Gaußstraße 19 b, 22765 Hamburg
Mail: [email protected]
Website: https://s4d-netzwerk.de