Santa Susanna, Spain, 31.10.2025. This year's “Aktion junge Ehrenamt — Fußballhelden-Bildungsreise”, organized by the German Football Association (DFB) and KOMM MIT, has come to a successful end. From October 27 to 31, 2025, around 220 young volunteers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland spent an intensive and motivating week in Spain to expand their knowledge, gain new impetus for their associations and network with like-minded people.

DFB Vice President Peter Frymuth opened the week with an impressive speech about the importance of volunteer work in German club soccer. On Tuesday, the first theory and practice sessions took place on various soccer fields under the Spanish sun. The “Volunteer Meeting Point”, a meeting with official representatives of the national soccer associations, at which participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas, make new contacts and learn from each other, rounded off the day. This type of network meeting promotes exchange and strengthens the community in German youth soccer.

Wednesday was marked by exciting practice sessions on the pitch. First Vice President, Ronny Zimmermann, also came to Santa Susanna to thank the young volunteers for their efforts and discussed the challenges of referees and youth leaders in a workshop. “Volunteering is not a matter of course. It means passion, passion and responsibility. The soccer heroes impressively show what it means to stand up for others and to live in community. Anyone who experiences their enthusiasm knows that youth soccer in Germany is in good hands. These young people are the future of our volunteer work and soccer. “, Zimmermann said.

Hannes Wolf, DFB Director for Young Talents, Training and Development and head coach of the U20 national team, explained the training philosophy of the new forms of play in children's and youth soccer in Germany. Knut Kircher, managing director of DFB Schiri GmbH and former FIFA and Bundesliga referee, gave soccer heroes valuable insights from everyday life in the Bundesliga and showed the importance of communication, fairness and respect in the game.

On Thursday, participants explored the Catalan city of Barcelona. In addition to sightseeing and culture, this trip offered a valuable opportunity to further exchange ideas and network. In the evening, various workshops were held on club life, in which volunteers were able to deepen their newly acquired knowledge. In a total of eight workshops, topics such as modern team management, team building and ball corobics were covered.

Friday began with further units in the study groups and a big final tournament for all groups, including speakers and organizational team. 12 youth coaches were then awarded the children's trainer certificate (KiTZ) and 47 soccer heroes with the youth coach certificate (JUtz). Philipp Reinartz, managing director of KOMM MIT, said: “We are pleased that with this trip we can make an important contribution to the recognition and motivation of young volunteers. Your commitment is the foundation of our clubs and secures the soccer base in Germany. ”

The week showed once again that the soccer hero education trip is not only recognition of the commitment of volunteers, but also a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development. Through close cooperation between DFB and KOMM MIT and the support of Volkswagen, an event was created that encourages young volunteers to continue and develop their commitment to youth soccer. Everyone involved is already looking forward to 2026, the anniversary year of the soccer hero educational trip, with further special activities and highlights.