The commitment of the association, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last month, starts at precisely this point. The VAR currently has around 540 members. Most of them are former functionaries from very different Berlin clubs who, after being active in their club, have "left in a certain loneliness", as Carus puts it. Or to put it another way: former volunteers come together here and are no longer alone.

"We are close to people, that's very important to us," says Carus. "Everyone is welcome here, volunteering lives on here." In the VAR, former volunteers meet up again regularly and are not forgotten. This takes the form of skat tournaments, Christmas parties, steamboat trips and New Year's receptions, for example. Other events are organized throughout the year. And it is precisely for this commitment that the "VAR/Traditionsgemeinschaft des Fußballsports Berlin" has now been presented with the Sepp Herberger Award in the social work category.

Every year, the Christmas plate campaign that Carus organizes with his colleagues on the Executive Board is particularly popular. The initiative looks like this: Over the course of a week, 50 to 60 sick or physically impaired members are visited at home or in a care home. During this visit, they are presented with a personalized Christmas plate. There is also always time for a nice chat. "When we come by, the joy is always huge," says Carus. "Of course, that's not so much because of the Christmas plate we have with us. The gesture and the time we give people are much more important."

The association celebrated its 100th birthday at the end of February. It was founded on February 26, 1926, at that time still under the name "Vereinigung Alter Rasensportler". This is where the "VAR" in today's club name comes from. The commemorative publication published to mark this special day contains many appreciative words about the club's commitment.

As part of VAR's 100th birthday, the Berlin Football Association conducted an interview with Detlef Carus, which can be viewed here can be read here.

Bernd Neuendorf: "Living and passing on values"

Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner says: "Your club is a true Berlin original: rooted in sport, supported by a sense of community and great solidarity for others. Your commitment to combating loneliness is particularly impressive: you visit members who can no longer take part in club life and spend time together.

That's humanity in action - and a great example of how sport can bring people together beyond competition, training and the stands."

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf emphasized: "We really appreciate the fact that you offer your 500 or so members a community. Soccer can set a good example here and ensure cohesion. And ensure that its values are lived and passed on. Please keep up the good work."

BFV President Bernd Schultz added: "Since its foundation, the VAR has been a living testimony to the fact that soccer is much more than goals and points - it is memory, identity and cohesion. The Traditionsgemeinschaft is a place where long-time companions come together to share experiences, preserve stories and pass on the values of the sport. Especially at a time when soccer is constantly changing and taking important steps towards a modern and professional structure, it is also particularly important that institutions like yours exist to keep the legacy of Berlin soccer alive. They create connections between generations, between past and present - and thus also a bridge to the future."

The VAR has now been connecting generations, past and present, for 100 years. Even the oldest member didn't miss out on the celebrations and was there in person: Luise Pfannenschmidt used to volunteer at FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin for a long time. Today, this is no longer possible for health reasons. That's why she is happy about the community in the club. Pfannenschmidt turned 103 a few days ago.

The "Horst Eckel Prize" in the social work category, endowed with 12,500 euros, goes to the "VAR/Traditionsgemeinschaft des Fußballsports Berlin".