DFB President Neuendorf at the Hennef Sports School: “Clubs are places of democracy”

Bernd Neuendorf visited the DFB Foundation Egidius Braun ‘s soccer vacation camps at the Hennef Sports School at the end of July 2025. The DFB President and Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees was on site in Hennef, where he once served as President of the Central Rhine Football Association (FVM). Alfred Vianden, honorary president of the FVM and member of the foundation’s board, was also present. Luis Hartmann spoke to Bernd Neuendorf about his visit and the soccer vacation camps.

Mr. Neuendorf, you visited the soccer vacation camps in Hennef. Is the Rhineland always a bit like “coming home” for you?

Bernd Neuendorf: Of course I have a special connection with Hennef. I was president of the Middle Rhine Football Association for three years and therefore also one of Egidius Braun’s successors there. Egidius Braun left a deep mark on the DFB and the Middle Rhine region. This also includes the soccer vacation camps. He launched the program over 30 years ago. The first camps at association level in the Middle Rhine region took place at the Hennef Sports School. As DFB President, he then had this good idea implemented nationwide. The first camps started in 1993.

This year, 75 soccer clubs from all over Germany are taking part again and around 1,000 young people are taking part in the events.participated in a total of 18 camps. How do you see the development?

Neuendorf: The soccer vacation camps are

have continued to grow over the years and have become more professional, in particular by moving to six selected sports schools of the DFB regional associations. However, the primary goals remain unchanged: We want to give the participants an unforgettable and carefree time and, through this, say thank you to the dedicated people at the often-cited grassroots level. Thank you for what they do for the children and young people in their playing and training activities. Their work on the ground is indispensable for our community and is what makes soccer what it is.

What are the costs for the foundation?

Neuendorf: The foundation’s efforts are enormous. Around seventy dedicated recreational staff – coordinated by project manager Joel Reinholz – ensure its success. The foundation also bears all the costs for transfers, meals, accommodation and the program. Each year, this amounts to an almost seven-figure sum. We are happy to do all this because it is worth it.

Soccer is not the only thing on the program at the camps every year. This year, the focus is on democracy. How is this put into practice?

Neuendorf: First of all, we see the camps as special extracurricular learning venues. The program offers a good opportunity to talk to the participants about issues relating to soccer, togetherness and society. We do this, for example, within the framework of so-called “value dialogues”, which we implement with the GermanDream initiative. At the same time, there is an annual focus that forms the thematic bracket. In 2022 it was women’s and girls’ soccer, in 2023 it was integration and in 2024 international understanding. This year, in cooperation with the Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb), we are focusing on the topic of democracy. In addition to various playful activities developed together with the bpb and Lernort Stadion, the young people will also go on excursions to courts, parliaments, Hambach Castle and talk to politicians.

“Democracy – like club soccer – thrives on participation and active involvement”

What can soccer do in times when our democracy is under stress? What role do soccer clubs play here?

Neuendorf: Football clubs – like all other clubs in our country – are important places of democracy. For me, they are small cells of democratic coexistence. They are an expression of our liberal basic order. It is a great good that people can and are allowed to come together in clubs to pursue common goals. We should always be aware of this. And, of course, associations are organized democratically. Resolutions are passed at the general meeting and then implemented. This also includes listening to each other, exchanging arguments and ultimately accepting majorities. You can learn all of this at a soccer club, both on and off the pitch.

You yourself worked in politics for several years. Why do you think it is important to get children and young people interested in this topic?

Neuendorf: First of all, our democracy is a valuable asset that must be preserved and protected. The focus of this year’s camps teaches young people that democracy is not an abstract topic, but a very concrete one that surrounds us all every day. At school, at work, in the family and yes, also in sport, in soccer. Democracy – like club soccer – thrives on participation and active involvement. It is not a matter of course. It needs to be defended.

What message would you like to pass on to the young people taking part – both from a sporting and social perspective?

Neuendorf: You are important – not just as players, but as part of our society, the soccer family. Soccer shows how important team spirit, fairness and respect are – on the pitch and in life. Especially in times when democratic values are under pressure, we need young people who show attitude, listen and help shape things. I hope that everyone here takes the feeling with them: I can make a difference – in the club, at school, in my environment.