TSG presents sustainable strategy for the future

''TSG Hoffenheim's DNA does not just consist of a dedication to high level sporting performance, but also of innovation and a binding sense of social responsibility,'' says Dr. Peter Görlich. ''We don't just understand 'TSG is movement' as describing the work we do in organising sports teams and delivering an elite level of performance out on the pitch. So much more is encompassed within those three words, this is one of the most important and most extensive undertakings in the history of the club,'' says the TSG managing director. A year ago, majority shareholder Dietmar Hopp announced at TSG's annual general meeting that the club would be looking to increase its engagement within those key areas which it deemed important. The programme was shown to members of staff a few days ago, and now the club is officially presenting it to the public. '' 'TSG is movement' is going to become our point of reference when it comes to corporate responsibility. We want to consolidate the club's diverse activities at the highest level and attain even greater levels of economic success - both of these goals are in harmony with our sense of social and environmental responsibility,'' says Görlich. 

Managing directors Görlich and Frank Briel as well as director of communications Christian Frommert have hired the experienced sustainability expert Stefan Wagner to work alongside them in the development of a strategy for TSG Hoffenheim. Wagner will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the execution of this strategy. ''The philosophy behind ‘TSG is movement’ is based on connecting growth with social value. By presenting a strategy like this, which will always aim to work towards the benefit of society, TSG are really sending out a clear signal to the rest of professional football,’’ said Wagner. 

''TSG is movement is a focus of our business development''

'' 'TSG is movement' is a focus of our business development,'' states Görlich. ''The core product of our club remains professional football, but we've developed various other areas of focus which we're using to drive us forward from a sporting perspective. For example, in the field of applied sports sciences we've made developments which have seen us rise to the pinnacle of the field,'' says Görlich. This focus on cutting edge innovation creates further marketing potential for the club, such as through the transfer of knowledge to business. Potential partners from the world of business and beyond will be attracted by the development of products which are unique to the club and which are derived from the fields of physical and mental performance analysis as well as digitalisation.

TSG Hoffenheim are also taking a unique approach when it comes to internationalisation. The club's existing engagement in southern Africa, in place since 2015, will soon be significantly expanded through a recently agreed collaboration with the German Federal Ministry for Development and Economic Cooperation. The manufacture of textiles on the African continent won't just serve to create jobs. A large part of the proceeds generated will also go towards further strengthening the existing engagements and projects on the ground.    

The club's management have already made significant progress in their plans to develop new products and projects within the five areas of focus. Concrete results are expected to be announced publicly within the next few weeks. Ten years after its ascension to the Bundesliga, the club is now taking its next decisive steps. ''TSG Hoffenheim has left the pioneering phase and is now exploring new territory,'' says managing director Görlich. Further details of this initiative will be unveiled in the next edition of the official club magazine SPIELFELD, released 7 December.