BolzplatzCup in Jena: Celebrate fairness and democracy in football!

BolzplatzCup in Jena: Celebrate fairness and democracy in football!

On June 13, 2025, the BolzplatzCup in Jena will be an important event. This cup, which promotes fairness and democracy in football, is being held for the third time in a row. It is organized by dedicated Jena street workers, the Jena fan project and KoKont, who are committed to promoting tolerance and social integration through sport. “The last goal wins” is one of the rules of the game that is often agreed on the football fields in order to give weaker teams a chance. The idea of ​​fair play and living democracy is permeated not only in the games themselves, but also in the entire organizational structure.

The BolzplatzCup is aimed at teenagers and young adults between the ages of 14 and 21 and invites everyone who is interested, regardless of where they live. This year there is a very special touch: an accompanying exhibition entitled “More than a game – When footballers take a stand” presents international footballers who are strongly committed to social and community causes. This exhibition is not only intended to entertain participants and spectators, but also to stimulate discussion and show how important social engagement in football is, as the Federal Agency for Civic Education emphasizes in its reports on integration through sport.

An exciting supporting program and attractive prizes

The preliminary rounds of the BolzplatzCup will take place at various locations in Jena: on August 13th in Winzerla, on August 15th in Jena East, on August 20th in Lobeda East and on August 22nd in Jena Nord. Finally, the tournament ends with an exciting final on August 30, 2024 at the KuBuS in Lobeda West. The supporting program promises not only sporting highlights, but also entertainment and food for all participants and spectators.

Another highlight of the cup: The winning team wins a trip to a home game of FC Bayern Munich and a challenge cup. The winners can also count on vouchers for games at FC Carl Zeiss Jena, Medipolis SC Jena and other local attractions. Over 100 participants took part in the Cup in 2023 and the number is expected to increase this year.

Integration through sport

The BolzplatzCup is more than just a sporting event. It plays a central role in the social integration of young people, especially those with a migrant background. Sport offers the opportunity to communicate across cultural boundaries and create a sense of community. As stated in an article on the intercultural opening of sports clubs, sport connects people and promotes mutual understanding.

Participants can look forward to a film screening on August 28, 2024 at the Schillerhof in Jena East, entitled “Rebels at the Ball”. There will then be a lecture by sports journalist Ronny Blaschke, followed by the draw for the final groups. Admission is free for young people with vouchers, and the café in the Schillerhof is open.

For more information and to register, those interested can visit the Instagram account @bolzplatzcup.jena. The contact persons at the Westside youth center are Felix Burandt and Eric Vasold, who can also be reached by telephone on 03641 49 26 85 or by email at felix.burandt@jena.de.

Overall, the BolzplatzCup is an outstanding example of how sport can be used as a platform for social values. This tournament not only focuses on sporting achievements, but also on the values ​​that make football the most beautiful game in the world: fairness, respect and team spirit. The BolzplatzCup is truly an event that “has something to do” for the future of young people in Jena.

Further details and information about the BolzplatzCup can be found at jenatv.de, rathaus.jena.de as well as bpb.de read up.