/ Qualification

“A Space for Exchange”: 8th Training Day at the Alte Försterei

On June 7, 2026, the An der Alten Försterei Stadium once again hosted the popular qualification day for amateur and youth coaches. The Berlin Football Association organized the event for the eighth time in collaboration with its educational partner, 1. FC Union Berlin. Coaches from across the greater Berlin area were able to gain valuable experience and inspiration for training design and engage in a productive exchange with one another and with the speakers.

“Thinking Outside the Box”

The event kicked off at 9:00 a.m. in the VIP lounge of the “Eisernen” with a welcome address by Nils Kohlschmidt, who, as Education Coordinator for 1. FC Union Berlin, led the proceedings, as well as Sven Paprotny, BFV Team Leader for Qualification, who addressed those present with a brief welcome: “I look forward to this every year when we’re here at the stadium and can take in this amazing view outside. It’s always a special experience for us—and surely for you as well. This year, too, it will be another well-rounded day with plenty of thought-provoking topics, a shared lunch, and refreshing drinks. Together with Union, we’ve put together a wonderful mix of activities for you.”

The photo shows an event hall where a presentation is being given to an audience. In the foreground, several rows of chairs are visible, with numerous people sitting on them and looking forward toward a screen. Most of the people are wearing athletic clothing, often with club names or logos on the back, such as “Eisenhüttenstadt Soccer Club” or “FC Nordost Berlin.” In the center of the image, two people are standing in front of the presentation area. One person is standing at the lectern or table with a laptop, while the other person is standing next to them, holding a microphone. Both appear to be speakers or moderators for the event. In the background, a large projection screen displays a presentation slide. Above the screen is a banner with the text “WELCOME.” Logos and a reference to “Qualification 2026 – Individualization” are also visible. A small screen also displays the welcome message and graphic elements. The room has a modern design, with a light-colored ceiling, lighting fixtures, and exposed support beams made of dark material. On the right side, an area labeled “LOUNGE” is visible, as well as a radiator on the wall. The scene conveys a training session or seminar in a sports context, where participants from various clubs are listening to a presentation.
The event featured a wealth of fascinating content. Photo: BFV

The substantive part of the day began with a keynote address by Joel Zachow, who also serves as the education coordinator at Union Berlin and as a U12 coach, and who focused on the central theme of “individualization.” He also reiterated the spirit of mutual exchange that characterizes the training day every year: “You want to develop your skills, and we want to learn, too. So feel free to approach us today and share your insights with us. Today isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about thinking outside the box. How are things going for you, how are things going for us?”

“New Insights and Collaborative Learning”

Following the welcome and the presentation, the participants headed to the workshops, which addressed topics such as individualization, the relative age effect, and goalkeeper training. The coaches were expressly invited to participate and contribute their own ideas and experiences, fostering a spirit of mutual learning from which all participants benefited equally. Lorena Peretti, a coach at the DFB training center in Wannsee who was part of the day’s team of presenters, summed up the event afterward: “I found the training day to be very inspiring. The event demonstrated just how great the interest is among coaches in further developing their own training and making it more individualized. Formats like this are incredibly important because they provide space for exchange, new ideas, and collaborative learning. As a speaker, what I take away most of all is how valuable it is to hear different perspectives and to see that many face similar challenges. That motivates us to question ourselves and continue to develop.”

The photo shows a small seminar or meeting room with a sports theme. In the foreground, several people are seated on chairs and facing the front of the room. One person in the foreground is wearing a light-colored T-shirt with the clearly legible word “TRAINER” on the back. Other seated people are wearing athletic clothing such as track jackets or T-shirts. In the center of the image, a person is standing in front of the group and giving a presentation. The standing person is wearing a dark sports outfit and is pointing with one hand toward the wall or screen, while the other hand is in a relaxed position. Next to the person is a table with a laptop and other equipment, including a phone and smaller devices. On the wall behind the standing person hang several large-format pictures with soccer motifs. The pictures show game scenes and are predominantly in shades of gray. Between the pictures is a mirror in which parts of the room are reflected. On the right wall, a framed jersey with the number “28” is visible. On the right side of the room stands a flipchart with blank paper. Next to it is a larger wooden table on which, among other things, a clear bottle is placed. The furnishings appear modern and functional, with light-colored walls, wooden furniture, and red carpet. Overall, the scene conveys a small training or learning situation in a sports setting, where knowledge is imparted in an informal group atmosphere.
The theoretical workshops were held in the stadium's boxes. Photo: BFV

After lunch together, the second major segment of the day consisted of a demonstration training session held at the An der Wuhlheide Stadium. In perfect soccer weather, the concepts previously discussed in theory were put into practice, providing participants with exciting ideas for their club sessions. Following a debriefing and farewell, another successful training day came to a close, leaving participants with many interesting insights and new ideas.

The Berlin Football Association thanks its educational partner, 1. FC Union Berlin, for the collaboration and the excellent organization of the training day. Thanks also go to all the speakers, participants, and stadium staff who contributed to the success of the event.

Kategorien: Qualification

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