In order to qualify for the final day of the anniversary edition of the Sparki-Cup (formerly the Drumbo Cup), Berlin's school teams have been competing in exciting duels over the past few weeks. All Berlin elementary school, community schools and grammar schools up to sixth grade are eligible to play in Europe's largest indoor tournament of its kind. This is the 50th time the competition has been held, which is organized by the AG Schulfußball of the Berlin Football Association together with the Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family. Since this year, the Sparki Cup has also been supported by Berliner Sparkasse.
Eight schools qualified
Six preliminary rounds were played in the girls' competition in January. The final rounds followed in March. The winners of these final rounds - Athene Primary School, Rosa Parks Primary School, Richard Primary School and Reinhardswald Primary School - secured a coveted place for the final day of the Sparki Cup.
The boys' finalists first had to prove themselves in the district rounds before the four best school teams were found in the regional rounds. This resulted in the following field of participants: Aziz-Nesin-Grundschule (regional winner north-east), Phorms Grundschule (regional winner north-west), Grundschule am Sandsteinweg (regional winner south-east) and Schele Schule (regional winner south-west) as last year's defending champions.
Decision in the Sömmeringhalle
The final day will take place next Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in the Charlottenburg sports hall (Sömmeringstraße 29, 10589 Berlin). Admission is from 9:30 am. The best schools in Berlin will be competing against each other from 10:30 am. Girls and boys from each of the four qualifying schools will take it in turns to compete for the title in front of the excited spectators and classmates.
Hustle and bustle off the pitch
In addition to the action on the pitch, various hands-on activities await all visitors and participants. Hertha BSC, Union Berlin and Delay Sports will be organizing various games and activities, such as a slalom challenge and the popular goal wall shooting. A speed kick station will also be set up, where participants will have the opportunity to challenge Kevin Pannewitz in a "Beat the Pro" event. Another highlight will be the interactive sustainability activities by Zero Waste e. V. There will also be show acts by the school of artists, music and live DJs, as well as the presence of the mascots Sparki, ICKE, Herthinho and Ritter Keule, who will be entertaining throughout the entire final day.
Further information about the tournament, including the winners of the district and regional finals, can be found here: Sparki-Cup