Since 1987, the Dortmund Fan Project, a non-profit organisation, has been committed to providing support for teenagers and young adults in Dortmund. At the end of 2019, the fan project was delighted…
13.01.2020
Since 1987, the Dortmund Fan Project, a non-profit organisation, has been committed to providing socio-educational support for teenagers and young adults in Dortmund. Acting as a “meeting point” for young BVB fans, the project aims to accommodate their needs in various areas of life. Just one example of this engagement is the organisation of trips to watch the Black & Yellows play both home and away. What is more, the Fan Project also plans social events and provides individually-tailored help and advice for young people experiencing difficulties in their personal lives.
A lack of space at the Fan Project office in Dortmund’s Dudenstraße had made it difficult for staff to provide the right level of support for BVB fans across various age groups. In light of this situation, plans were made to rent additional premises in order to provide extra space for young BVB fans. “No cigarettes and alcohol, but lots of activities” is the motto for the new recreation rooms, where activities tied to the “Young Generation” violence prevention programme will be held. For several years now, the project has focused on giving Black & Yellow fans under the age of 18 the opportunity to attend selected BVB away matches at discount prices. An extended programme of wide-ranging educational offers and regular “Young Generation” meet-ups had previously failed to take off due to the lack of space available in the fan project offices.
Last year, thanks to a donation of 7,000 euros made by the BVB foundation “leuchte auf”, the fan project was able to rent additional premises in the immediate vicinity of the current offices. The new premises have since been renovated. It wasn’t just contractors who carried out the work; young BVB fans also had a big part to play. This meant that the new space has been set up in such a way as to accommodate the requirements of young people in the best way possible.
Their was real excitement as the new premises were opened in the build-up to the club’s home match against VfL Wolfsburg at the end of 2019. “We are very pleased to work together with the BVB Foundation. They have been a reliable partner for many years now, working alongside us to launch and develop various projects. We are so grateful to “leuchte auf” for helping us to take our Young Generation programme to the next level,” said Thilo Danielsmeyer, Director of the Dortmund Fan Project.
The Dortmund fan project also includes the BVB Learning Centre, which has been regularly supported by “leuchte auf” since 2012. The Learning Centre is one of the flagship projects of the foundation’s programme focused on encouraging diversity.
Further information on “leuchte auf” can be found at:
