Volunteering Award 2025: Haftpflichtkasse and SV 98 honour clubs

The award not only recognises exceptional club work and special commitment, but also underscores the high value placed on volunteer work in Darmstadt and the region. A jury selected a winner in each of three different categories: KSC Bensheim e.V. won in the „Education & Knowledge Transfer“ category, SV 1910 Weiterstadt e.V. won in the „Ecology & Sustainability“ category, and Tennisclub Blau-Weiß Heppenheim e.V. won in the „Fair Play“ category. The „Solidarity & Participation“ category was decided by a public vote following a jury selection. Around 4,800 participants took part in the vote, with SC OPEL 06 Rüsselsheim emerging victorious. All award-winning clubs will receive prize money of €3,000 each.

Audience decision with 3,081 votes: SC OPEL 06 Rüsselsheim

With SCO BEWEGT, SC Opel 06 Rüsselsheim is complementing its traditional youth football program with inclusive and intercultural offerings. The focus is on children and young people with disabilities and/or a migration background. Through inclusive sports days, street football events, and cultural festivals, the club promotes participation, encounters, and diversity – together with a strong network in the city.

Three former youth players initiated the project to breathe new life into the youth work of the traditional club. With a young, diverse team, the club’s structure is being deliberately broken up and modernised. The club is creating new approaches to sports, focusing on social integration, and inspiring increasingly committed young adults to support children and young people.

KSC Bensheim e.V.

The „KODUS – Competence through Sport“ project promotes the motor, social, and mental development of children aged 4 to 6 through daily exercise sessions led by a sports educator. It is based on the scientifically sound KIMO test, a motor skills screening program developed by the German Sport University Cologne that identifies potential developmental deficits early on. Through play, the program not only fosters a sense of joy in movement, but also strengthens self-confidence, self-efficacy, teamwork, and social skills. The project has great potential for replication; it is currently being successfully implemented in a kindergarten and is intended to be expanded to other facilities in the long term. With 25 years of experience in holistic youth work, the organisation demonstrates a deep commitment to the healthy, self-confident, and socially integrated development of children.

SV 1910 Weiterstadt e.V.

SV Weiterstadt has installed a permanently installed water dispenser with three types of water at the main building of the sports facility to make the supply to players more sustainable and efficient. Previously, the use of plastic bottles resulted in high annual costs, logistical effort, and a lot of volunteer work for purchasing, transporting, returning empty bottles, and billing. Through structural measures including an access hatch, water supply, power supply, and ventilation, the dispenser was installed in a way that makes it accessible to all athletes and guests. The project reduces plastic waste, saves club funds, and frees up volunteers, allowing them to focus more on children and youth work. The successful implementation was only possible thanks to the commitment of volunteers who took on the planning, construction, and communication with the city.

Tennisclub Blau-Weiß Heppenheim e. V.

The Heppenheim Elementary School Cup is a sports project for children in grades 1 to 3 that promotes a love of exercise and tennis. Students complete various stations and games together as a class, strengthening team spirit, fairness, and solidarity. Around 300 children from 15 grades participate and are accompanied by ten dedicated volunteers. The competition creates a positive atmosphere focused on athletic performance, respectful interaction, and shared experiences. The initiative demonstrates how sports can teach values ​​such as fairness and community even at primary school age.