TSG hosts Germany's most sustainable football kids

Professional football meets sustainability: since September 2024, the non-profit organisation (NPO) "Waldkicker" from Sinsheim has been on the hunt for the most sustainable teams in the Waldkicker League. 50 teams in the age categories Under-7 to Under-10 from all over Germany took part and put their sustainability to the test. Under the slogan "The search for Germany's most sustainable football team", youth teams were invited to compete against each other in exciting and eco-friendly activities. Whether it was planting trees, litter-picking or carpooling - every initiative counted and gained the teams valuable points for the Waldkicker table. 

Now, at the end of the season, the most sustainable teams will compete in the final of the first German Waldkicker Championship in the Kraichgau. The final tournament of the 2024/25 season will take place on 18th May 2025 in the Dietmar Hopp stadium in Hoffenheim. Originally, the final tournament was meant to take place in the PreZero Arena, but due to a scheduling conflict the teams will now be playing in the Dietmar Hopp stadium. 

"Waldkicker" helps children to learn through play about the importance of nature and environmental protection. Waldkicker's goal is to help children between the ages of six and ten to develop an enthusiasm for climate and environmental protection, as well as social engagement, and to show them the value of nature, the environment, and society. In combining football and environmental education, Waldkicker wants to create an awareness of sustainable behaviour and motivate young people to actively get involved in environmental protection. 

Timm Zuleger, managing director of Waldkicker gGmbH, said: "After more than six months of sustainable engagement, the best eight Waldkicker teams can expect an unforgettable final weekend. Inspired by the first team, who will be playing on the 34th match day in the PreZero Arena, the Waldkicker teams will be competing the following day in the Dietmar Hopp stadium for the title of the Waldkicker debut season. A huge thank you goes to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for this special collaboration and the recognition of our young players' engagement."

Tim Jost, managing director of TSG Hoffenheim, added: "Sustainability and environmental awareness have always been part of the TSG Hoffenheim DNA. The Waldkicker initiative is exceptional and is driven by a huge level of personal engagement. We were impressed from the start, and are very pleased that we can reward the eight best teams with what will hopefully be an unforgettable weekend. Because in addition to the final in the Dietmar Hopp stadium, the teams will also be able to watch the Bundesliga game in the PreZero Arena the day before."

Click here for an overview of the teams that will be participating in the final.