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For years, the goal of inclusive sports has been getting people with disabilities onto the pitch. But a new initiative in Germany is shifting the focus from who is playing the game to who is leading it. The recent Tandem Young Coach training at Sportschule Schöneck represents a strategic move to dismantle the barriers that have historically kept people with disabilities away from the technical area.
Between April 29 and May 3, 22 participants gathered to undergo a qualification process designed to bring inclusion directly to the sidelines. The program, which targets a critical gap in traditional coaching certifications, pairs aspiring coaches with disabilities—known as Young Coaches—with partners without disabilities in a collaborative “tandem” model. This approach ensures that the learning process is adapted to the individual’s pace and specific needs, rather than forcing participants into a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum.
The initiative is a joint effort between the Football Club Social Alliance (FCSA) and the Scort Foundation, receiving vital financial backing from the DFB-Stiftung Sepp Herberger and the DFL Stiftung. By integrating these roles into the existing football structure, the program aims to normalize the presence of disabled coaches in professional and amateur club environments across Europe.
The Mechanics of the Tandem Model
At the core of the program is the belief that leadership skills are not tied to physical or cognitive ability, but to the opportunity to practice. In the tandem approach, the Young Coach and their partner navigate the complexities of training planning and player management together. This synergy allows the Young Coach to take the lead while having a support system to handle logistical or communicative hurdles.
Timo Podsendek, an instructor from SV Werder Bremen, noted that standard coaching licenses often overlook the specific requirements of people with disabilities. He explained that this specialized training fills that void, allowing participants to learn in a way that respects their individual tempo.
The results of this method are often felt most acutely during practical sessions. Jule, a tandem partner from FC Freiburg – St. Georgen, observed a significant shift in perception during the course. She noted that she realized how much responsibility she could delegate, discovering that Young Coaches are capable of far more than she and her partner had initially assumed.
Integrating Lived Experience into Leadership
This year’s curriculum leaned heavily on “lived experience,” moving beyond theoretical inclusion to practical, peer-led instruction. The program featured guest speakers who have navigated the sports world with disabilities, providing a blueprint for the new coaches. One former participant shared insights into coaching within the autism spectrum, while players from the MTV Stuttgart blind football Bundesliga team provided lessons on adaptive communication on the pitch.
This exposure is designed to build the confidence of the Young Coaches, transforming their self-perception from “participant” to “authority.” Julius, a Young Coach from VfB Stuttgart, described the moment he was trusted to lead an exercise independently with another Young Coach as a point of immense pride.
Ciara Widmann, an instructor from 1. FSV Mainz 05, observed that the success of the program often depends on the tandem partner’s ability to step back. She noted the importance of partners creating the physical and psychological space for Young Coaches to lead, providing support from the background rather than directing from the front.
Institutional Recognition and Systemic Impact
From a policy perspective, the most significant achievement of the program is its formal recognition. To ensure the training carries weight within the official football hierarchy, the program collaborated with the Badischer Fußballverband. The training was officially recognized as a continuing education measure (4 LE), meaning Young Coaches received a participation certificate from a recognized German state football association.
This certification is more than a formality. it is a statement of equal value. By granting the same official recognition to participants with and without disabilities, the program challenges the systemic devaluation of disabled leaders in sports.
| Program Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Organizers | FCSA and Scort Foundation |
| Funding Partners | DFB-Stiftung Sepp Herberger & DFL Stiftung |
| Certification | Badischer Fußballverband (4 LE) |
| Participant Scope | 11 Tandems (22 people) from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria |
The reach of the program extends beyond local borders, reflecting a broader European movement toward inclusive sports management. This year’s cohort included tandems from high-profile partner clubs, including FC Basel 1893, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, FK Austria Wien, and 1. FSV Mainz 05, alongside seven tandems selected from various German state associations.
As these 11 tandems return to their home clubs, they carry more than just a certificate. They bring a toolkit of flexible training organization and a proven model for inclusive leadership. For coaches like Cayan from FC Freiburg – St. Georgen, the focus now shifts to applying this flexibility in real-world team environments.
The next phase for these coaches involves implementing their new skills within their respective clubs to strengthen the footprint of inclusive football in Germany and beyond. Official updates on the program’s long-term impact and future cohorts are typically released through the DFL Stiftung and FCSA portals.
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