TSG Hoffenheim launch pilot project in Namibia

There were three exciting days with 24 participants from the four so-called conservancies, where people and wild animals live together without fences. The local village communities assume responsibility for biodiversity and environmental protection and participate in the revenue, such as from tourism.

Alongside training/playing methods and further training for coaches, the project involved several environmental education sessions by the Namibian non-profit organisation EduVentures. "It was wonderful to see how football helped people with different cultures and perspectives to come together in a wonderful atmosphere. That allowed the participants to obtain valuable insights relating to football, the environment and communication," summarised the TSG Project Leader Sebastian Bacher.

Football as a door opener

The young participants, as well as the teachers and coaches, developed new football knowledge as a result of varied training methods, which were explained and implemented by the TSG coaches Maximilian Roth and Robin Wenzel. Football opened doors to other areas as the sporting sessions were combined with environmental training that covered topics such as climate change, energy generation, biodiversity and the natural equilibrium. They were conveyed in a theoretical manner or via the medium of diverse activities.

With the Governor of the region, Kavango East, among the attendees, the first-ever "Conservancy Cup" was held and proved to be a real highlight. The most important "prize" was the fact that the balls and goals were given to the participants and their communities, meaning that the new knowledge can continue to be implemented with improved equipment.