This year's symposium offered participants a wide range of diversity topics.

The question of how everyday life in Berlin amateur soccer can be made more open, inclusive and diverse is omnipresent. Every year, the "Verein stark machen für Vielfalt im Sport" (Making clubs strong for diversity in sport) symposium offers a meeting place for people interested in sport who offer sports activities themselves and those who simply want to find out more, exchange ideas or network. The 13th edition of the symposium took place on Friday, November 17, 2023 at the premises of AOK Nordost at Hallesches Tor in Kreuzberg.

"Anti-human ideas continue to gain strength in society. According to the Mitte Study 2023, one in ten people surveyed is fundamentally hostile and discriminatory towards various minorities in society. Sport is not spared from this. What can we do about it? Move closer together, stand up for each other, raise awareness, exchange ideas and network. And become visible. Just like today." With these words, Alice Drouin, project manager for sport at LSVD Berlin-Brandenburg, welcomed the 40 or so participants.

After the introduction and a brief input from Veronika Springmann (Sportmuseum Berlin) on the "Collecting inclusively" project, the workshop phase began. As usual, each participant had the opportunity to choose one of the three thematically different offers in advance. The working groups spent around an hour and a half in lively discussion, asking questions and learning new things.

Workshop 1: "Typical! And the association is doing nothing again!" - Put to the test.

Time and again, people in Berlin soccer experience discrimination - both on and off the pitch. If discrimination occurs and the incident is reported to the BFV, a process starts from the club and association perspective in which many different people are involved in different functions. Ultimately, the BFV sports court decides as an independent body, taking into account the available evidence and witness statements, how the incident is to be assessed and sanctioned. In the workshop, Theresa Hoffmann (Head of Social Responsibility at the BFV) and Julian Henneberg (Deputy Chairman of the BFV Sports Court) used specific case studies to show participants how incidents of discrimination are handled and punished by the association. The legal consequences of discrimination and how clubs and the association can actively work together to counteract this problem were also discussed.

Workshop 2: Dealing with stress and difficult situations in everyday life

Together with the speaker Sandra Rocha Do Monte Bayer from AOK Nordost, the participants learned effective techniques for dealing with stressors and difficult situations in everyday life. The aim was to develop individual coping strategies that contribute to a more balanced lifestyle and strengthen personal resilience.

Workshop 3: "Open training for tin* people" - evaluation and outlook

This workshop was aimed exclusively at trans, inter- and non-binary people. Noah Heckhoff (LSVD Berlin-Brandenburg), Michaela Jessica Tschitschke (BFV volunteer contact person for sexual and gender diversity) and Taro Neber (training manager) summarized together with the participants and based on the results of a survey previously conducted among the training participants the open soccer training for tin* people created about a year ago in cooperation between BFV and LSVD. They took stock and identified which aspects were already going well, which could be improved and what wishes and needs there were for the future.

The knowledge that the participants took away from the respective workshops can now be passed on to their own club, training group or everyday sporting life in general and thus ensure a little more awareness and openness in their (sporting) environment. At around 8 p.m., all of the visitors to the symposium came together for a rounding off of the evening in a relaxed atmosphere.

Many thanks to the LSVD Berlin-Brandenburg, who organized the event together with the Berlin Football Association, and to AOK Nordost, the BFV's health partner, for their kind support.

For the twelfth time, club representatives and other interested parties came together for the symposium "Making clubs strong for diversity in sport".

On 21 October 2022, the twelfth symposium "Making clubs strong for diversity in sport" was held at Franz-Mehring-Platz 1, jointly organized by the Berlin Football Association (BFV) and the Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg (LSVD). As is tradition, numerous club representatives and other interested parties from civil society came together again this year to exchange ideas and discuss topics such as inclusion, diversity and anti-discrimination in various workshops and to take Berlin soccer a step further in these areas.

BFV and LSVD Berlin-Brandenburg continue cooperation

This year's symposium was opened by the LSVD's Coordination Office for Gender and Sexual Diversity in Sport and the BFV's Social Responsibility department. After a few welcoming and introductory words, we moved on to the first item on the evening's agenda: BFV President Bernd Schultz and LSVD board member Mia Schumacher signed the new edition of the cooperation agreement between the two associations on the podium, which means that the BFV and the LSVD Berlin-Brandenburg will continue their successful cooperation in the interests of diversity in sport in the future.

Bernd Schultz commented: "We have achieved a lot in recent years through this cooperation. We have set up counseling services and we have also been able to make a lot of progress in the area of playing rights, where we have reached a regulation for trans*, inter* and non-binary people. We were even the first regional association to regulate this"(on the DFB's new nationwide regulation). The president of the BFV also appealed for incidents of discrimination on the sports field to be made public in order to help those affected and to be able to hold the perpetrators accountable. Mia Schumacher was also pleased about the renewed agreement and addressed a few words of welcome to those present: "For me, this is the first symposium of this cooperation, which has done important work for the soccer community in Berlin in recent years. I look forward to continuing to work together with the Berlin Football Association and am glad that we were able to renew the cooperation today.

Next step towards more diversity in sport

Benjamin Csonka, Commissioner for Diversity and Equality at the Landessportbund Berlin (LSB), then presented the results of a survey on sports opportunities for queer people in Berlin. This survey resulted in an overview of sports activities for queer people in Berlin as well as sports clubs and associations that position themselves as queer-friendly. The practical phase then began with four workshops. One workshop organized by the LSVD and "KickIn!" dealt with discrimination-sensitive language. Using interactive exercises, the participants learned how to raise their awareness of discriminatory statements and practise diversity-sensitive alternatives. At the same time, the Pfeffersport e.V. inclusion workshop focused on the implementation of participation in sport. The team of speakers reported on their own experiences and contributed the perspective of athletes with disabilities. Another workshop held by the BFV in cooperation with the Senate Department for the Interior, Digitization and Sport dealt with flexible sports projects for and with refugees in Berlin. At a round table, the various possibilities for bringing clubs and people with refugee experience together were discussed. In the fourth workshop of the evening, "My everyday life in the club", which was open to women, lesbians, trans*, inter* and non-binary people, people came together to talk about their everyday lives in sports clubs, giving them the opportunity to speak openly about both positive and negative experiences in a safe space.

After a short closing round, a successful symposium came to an end with a convivial get-together over snacks and drinks, while those present had the opportunity to obtain information material from the various stands at the "Market of Opportunities". Among others, the BFV girls' soccer project "ALLE KICKEN MIT!", Berlin gegen Nazis and Gesellschaftsspiele e.V. were represented there. The Berlin Football Association would like to thank everyone involved for organizing and running the symposium.

The 2021 symposium took place digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Event flyer of the LSVD

On November 19, 2021, in cooperation with the Berlin Football Association (BFV) and the Berlin State Sports Association (LSB), the eleventh symposium "Making clubs strong for diversity" of the Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg (LSVD) will take place. Club and association officials, coaches, supervisors, referees, players, their parents, fans and representatives from politics, the media and administration are invited. Together, they will explore the question of how diversity and inclusion can be practiced in everyday sport.

The symposium will begin at 4 p.m. with words of welcome from Alexander Dzembritzki, State Secretary for Sport, and BFV President Bernd Schultz. After the welcoming address, four different workshops will offer the opportunity to explore the following topics in greater depth:

• Presentation of the Charter for Gender Diversity in Sport

• Reporting cases of violence and discrimination to the BFV

• Soccer is for everyone! Insights into inclusive soccer and solution strategies for more participation

• Sport as part of female* identity? - A look at one's own sports biography and socialization (for FLINTA*: Women, lesbians, inter-, non-binary, trans or agender people)

The symposium will conclude with the panel discussion "Open sport for LGBTIQ people - what is currently happening in sports clubs?", in which representatives of Berlin sport will explore the question of how sports clubs can open up to queer athletes under the moderation of "Bine" from the TV show "Princess Charming".

Symposium "Making clubs strong for diversity":

• Date: Friday, November 19, 2021

• Time: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (admission from 3:30 pm)

• Location: Coubertinsaal (Jesse-Owens-Allee 2, 14053 Berlin)

The 2021 symposium was held digitally due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Berlin Football Association, together with the Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg, the Berlin Senate Department for the Interior and Sport and AOK Nordost, is inviting you to the "10th Symposium for Football", which will take place digitally over a period of three Friday evenings to mark the 10th anniversary and due to the current situation.

The year 2020 has been shaped above all by the global COVID-19 pandemic and has once again raised the question of social responsibility and the importance of soccer. In the three digital talks, experts and activists will discuss the topics of racism, gender diversity and sexualized violence in soccer with the participants.

Once again this year, coaches, trainers, referees, fans, parents and people responsible for sport, politics, media, administration and other interested parties are cordially invited to join the discussion.

• Friday, November 27, 2020 - 6 p.m., online talk "Racism in soccer, still an issue?"

• Friday, December 4, 2020 - 6 p.m., online talk "Trans*, Inter*, Divers - Football is for EVERYONE!"

• Friday, 11 December 2020 - 6 p.m., online talk, "Sexualized violence in soccer"

On November 1, 2019, the "Afternoon for Football and Volunteering" took place for the ninth time. The event was held at the BFV office and was jointly organized by the Berlin State Commission against Violence, the Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg, AOK Nordost, the soccer clubs Hertha BSC and 1. FC Union and the Berlin Football Association.

Thanks and appeal to all involved

After welcoming all those present from sport, politics, the media and clubs, BFV President Bernd Schultz handed over the microphone to Ingo Siebert, deputy head of the Berlin State Commission against Violence, who had words of praise for the event: "This long-standing symposium is a great thing. Diversity, sexual orientation in sport and the prevention of violence are topics that play an important role and that we have to deal with," said Siebert, drawing attention to the importance of the event and went on to say: "I would like to express my sincere thanks for this wonderful cooperation between the BFV and the LSVD. Violence, anti-Semitism and homophobia are just a few examples of the side effects of everyday soccer that need to be addressed and for which all those present here today are working on further solutions."

Christian Arbeit, Managing Director of Communications at 1. FC Union Berlin, also addressed the topics of integration and migration and made it clear that there is no distance between amateur and professional soccer in these matters. In addition, the Bundesliga club's stadium announcer reported on current developments in women's soccer at 1. FC Union and entered into a lively exchange with the audience.

The opening concluded with a panel discussion between Gerd Liesegang, BFV Vice President Qualification & Social Affairs, Cem Efe, Sports Coordinator of AOK Nordost and Jessica Tschitschke from Discover Football, led by moderator Felicia Mutterer. During the discussion, Gerd Liesegang drew particular attention to the problem of violence on amateur football pitches and appealed for more mutual respect at sports facilities and in society in general: "I think we have forgotten how to have respect for people. We are quick to defame people and expose them. We accept that individuals are insulted or, in the worst cases, physically assaulted. We urgently need to work on getting people to have more respect for each other again."

Lively discussions in the workshops

With these emotional words, the central part of the event finally began. In four parallel workshops, the participants dealt with the topics "Winning together - interaction between sports clubs & social players", "Female invisibility in soccer", "Club 3.0 - digitalization in clubs" and "Hey referee, you ...! - Language is violence - show respect!". In the workshops, the participants shared their opinions and experiences and discussed possible solutions to current problems in soccer, which were recorded in writing and graphically by the workshop leaders.

Finally, all participants in the individual workshops came together again to present their impressions and results. A "3rd half-time" with a shared meal and refreshments concluded a successful symposium.

At the eighth Afternoon for Volunteering, participants broadened their view of grassroots sport in six informative workshops.

"For the first time, the event is called 'Diversity in Sport', also as a sign that we want to position ourselves even more broadly," said moderator Boris Knoblich in his opening statement at the eighth afternoon for volunteering at the Gerhard Schlegel Sports School (LSB) on November 23, 2018. In addition to the Berlin Football Association, the Berlin State Commission against Violence, the Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg and the soccer clubs Hertha BSC and 1. FC Union, the Landessportbund Berlin (LSB) also took part as host for the first time. And the fact that the motto 'Diversity in Sport' was also embodied was demonstrated not least by the wide range of sports represented at the symposium. The attendees included handball players, ice hockey players and, of course, footballers - there was even a water polo player. "Popular sport in Berlin not only reflects the diversity of people, but also the diversity of sports," said Thomas Härtel from the LSB.

Trainers, coaches, referees, fans, parents and people responsible for sport, politics, media and administration were invited to discuss current topics in popular sport, to encourage voluntary work and to exchange ideas and information. "People who put their heart and soul into helping others: That's what soccer and Berlin sport in general is all about and is also the spirit of this event," said BFV Vice President Gerd Liesegang.

Exchange in workshops on a wide range of topics

After the welcome address and a panel discussion, the actual core of the symposium began. In six parallel workshops, participants had the opportunity to share their experiences on specific topics and learn new things worth knowing. A wide range of topics were discussed, such as homophobia in sport, healthy eating options and anti-violence training.

One of the workshops focused on the theory that alcohol and soccer belong together. It is important that adults, clubs and associations act as role models in order to finally raise awareness of the issue, as society has already changed enormously in this respect.

Another workshop dealt with the question of whether professional sport is moving further and further away from amateurs. One of the statements made in the workshop was that the sums paid at the top amateur level are already absurdly high. Nevertheless, a differentiated approach to the topic is needed. In future, even more professional clubs from different sports in Berlin should take part in the symposium.

Symposium "a fixed and important part of the Berlin sports calendar"

The eagerness and drive with which the participants discussed and exchanged experiences in the workshops was impressive. "This is the eighth time we've come together here," concluded moderator Boris Knoblich in the final round, "and it was once again a complete success. The symposium has now become a fixed and important part of the Berlin sports calendar. Everyone is looking forward to next year."

The seventh Afternoon for Football was characterized by informative and helpful workshops on the topic of "Diversity in soccer".

"Football can bring people together," said presenter Frauke Oppenberg as she opened the event on October 20 at around 3:30 pm. This thesis is confirmed when you look around the hall in the Kreuzberg town hall - a wide variety of people of all genders, with a wide range of cultural backgrounds and the most diverse functions are present. "Football is played and lived across society. Soccer in Berlin is not just about Hertha and Union. It is a popular sport that is highly diverse," says Bernd Holm, Senate Department for the Interior and Sport.

Coaches, supervisors, referees, fans, parents, people responsible for sport, politics, media and administration or simply those interested in the subject were invited to discuss current soccer issues, to encourage and support voluntary work and to exchange ideas and information. "We have to face up to the problems in soccer, such as discrimination and racism, in our city. The event is ideal for conveying new ideas and working together as closely as possible to find solutions," said BFV President Bernd Schultz.

The event was organized by the Berlin State Commission against Violence, the Berlin-Brandenburg Lesbian and Gay Association and the Berlin Football Association. This year's co-hosts were the two Berlin Bundesliga clubs Hertha BSC and 1. FC Union Berlin. When asked why Hertha BSC was involved in the event, youth coach Sofian Chahed replied: "We are all pulling together. We all want our youth players to learn how to act correctly in different situations and that they experience and acquire values."

Workshops to delve deeper into individual topics

After the joint introduction, the participants were able to share their experiences on individual topics and deepen their knowledge in six parallel workshops. Each workshop began with a welcome round in which each participant introduced their name, their role and their reasons for choosing the workshop in question.

It is becoming increasingly common for over-involved parents to intervene in the game and give loud instructions. Workshop 1 discussed conflicts and negative behavior of parents and fans on the sidelines. The workshop served to share negative experiences and reactions, but also provided suggestions for the development of future preventative measures.

Workshop 2 dealt with transsexuality in sport. The participants discussed what transsexuality actually means for the individual, but also for sports clubs. Terms were explained, space was given for questions and it was shown what guidelines sport provides and how transgender people can be supported.

Workshop 3 discussed addiction prevention in soccer. There are always problems with alcohol or pharmaceuticals in sport. The workshop offered open discussions about personal experiences, an exchange about the current situation in Berlin clubs and possible perspectives for addiction prevention.

Workshop 4 dealt with the topic of cyberbullying and how to defend oneself against it. The participants discussed what options there are for individuals to take action against cyberbullying, where there are limits and how those affected can be empowered.

Workshop 5 dealt with anti-discrimination work. Memorial site trips are intended to draw attention to historical backgrounds and thus contribute to awakening an interest in the past and the responsibility towards Jewish and foreign fellow human beings. The participants discussed which projects can be implemented in Berlin to combat discrimination and right-wing extremism.

Workshop 6 informed Berlin clubs about fair trade in soccer. Clubs learned about the working conditions in the production of footballs and were informed about the alternative of "fair balls", i.e. footballs that are produced under fair working conditions. The participants even had the opportunity to sew a few stitches on a soccer themselves in order to get a closer look at the topic.

An all-round successful event

The participants were open-minded and completed the workshops with enthusiasm and zest for action. After the workshops, there was a final round in which impressions from the workshops were shared. "It's always a helpful event where you can learn a lot," said Hassen Kamel, an over-60s player from FC Viktoria 1889 Berlin. "The symposium is always well organized. You simply have to praise the event," he concludes.

The rbb also became aware of the event and reported on the symposium and the BFV campaign "NO TO AGGRESSIVE PARENTS" in the evening show on 22.10.2017.

On the afternoon of November 25, 2016, the 6th Afternoon for Football of the Berlin Football Association will take place in Berlin-Kreuzberg City Hall. Robert Claus from KoFaS will moderate a workshop on homophobia and possible counter-strategies together with Fatima Aberkane.

The Lesbian and Gay Association Berlin-Brandenburg e. V., the Berlin Football Association e. V. and the Berlin State Commission against Violence jointly invite you to the 6th Afternoon for Football - Making Clubs Strong for Diversity in Football on November 25, 2016 in Berlin-Kreuzberg.

The Afternoon for Football and Volunteering offers the opportunity to discuss current soccer issues in various fields and to encourage and support volunteer work. In addition, there will be an exchange of information between club members (coaches, referees, supervisors, parents), fans and those responsible in sport, politics, media and administration. Five parallel workshops will help to make the afternoon interactive.

Schedule 6th Afternoon for Football - November 25, 2016

15:00: Market of opportunities

15:30: Opening and greetings

16:00: Opening round, a representative of the BFV and LSVD

16.30 - 19.00: Workshops

• Workshop I: Girls' soccer - underrepresented or reaching the limit?

• Workshop II: From integration to participation of refugees. Ready for the next step?

• Workshop III: The concept is ready, but who will pay for my refugee project?

• Workshop IV: A handicap is not a handicap?

• Workshop V: Football and fans against homophobia

19:15: Final round - impressions from the workshops

19:45: Reception "Third half-time" - buffet and refreshments

21.00 hrs: Closing

Before and after the event, there will be a market of opportunities where clubs, initiatives and projects can present themselves in order to showcase examples of good practice and promote exchange and networking between clubs, including across sports.

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