Germany: Using football for a fair society
In Saxony, a Terre des Hommespartner project is harnessing the unifying power of football – with rules where fairness is just as important as scoring goals.
Playing together is better than fighting against each other: With this simple idea, Terre des Hommespartner organizations have been working for years to promote cohesion, peace, and democracy – on the streets of São Paulo in Brazil, in Chile, Kenya, Cambodia, and Colombia. In Germany, the principle has proven successful in Hanover, Brunswick, and Ingolstadt.
In 2025, a new project phase began in the areas around Zwickau, Chemnitz, Dresden, and Leipzig. This phase is taking place under unique circumstances: Saxony currently exhibits a more pronounced societal divide than many other German states. The state branch of the AfD party is classified as "definitely right-wing extremist," yet still garnered over 30 percent of the vote in the last state election. Young refugees seeking protection and safety often encounter rejection and hostility. Even young people who have lived here their entire lives experience a sense of hopelessness and constant antagonism.
comes Terre des Hommesin: at six schools, more than 600 children and young people are given the opportunity to break down barriers and overcome prejudices. Young people with diverse backgrounds and experiences are brought into targeted contact. They gain self-confidence and understand how much they can achieve together.
"I can contribute a lot when it comes to organizing. Football isn't really my thing. But I'm quite good at planning things for smaller groups, and here I've realized that I really enjoy it."
Three halves for fair play
: Football serves as a gateway. There are street football meetups, tournaments, and a league system for school breaks. Games are always played in three halves, with mixed teams and no referees. In the first half, the teams negotiate their rules of fair play. In the second half, they play according to these rules. In the third half, they discuss how well the rules were followed – and award points accordingly, which count just as much as goals scored.
This process is facilitated by team members, themselves young people with diverse backgrounds. They play a vital role: The team members ensure that everyone enjoys the game. They mediate conflicts and, over time, become mentors for the younger participants.
Many who get involved in the project want to continue doing so afterward: As "Youth Leaders," they take the next step and carry respect and team spirit beyond the playing field—into school, their circle of friends, and their community.
10.06.2025