There are many different ways to promote exercise programmes for children and young people. Even those where the connection only becomes apparent at second glance. As the example of Tennisclub Rauischholzhausen 1983 e. V. shows: Its committee member Steffen Höniges approached the "Spiel' Dein Spiel" ("Play your game") campaign organised by Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). With the request for support for the overdue renovation of the heating in the clubhouse.
"Admittedly, we initially wondered whether this request would even fit in with our concept," recalls Stephanie Orlik. She is responsible for sponsorship at SWG and is a member of the jury that advises which of the wishes SWG fulfils as part of "Spiel' Dein Spiel". But when she and her colleagues read on, they changed their minds. After all, training in tennis does not necessarily mean hitting balls on the court. This is not possible in Rauischholzhausen during the winter months anyway, as the tennis club only has outdoor courts. The coaches therefore want to use the clubhouse to teach other things that are important for the game - for example by showing videos of professionals. "The cosy room will also be used for social afternoons or evenings where the young players can get together. This strengthens team spirit," says Anika Wolf, the club's children and youth manager.
The comparatively small youth group is still being rebuilt. However, five children and young people between the ages of five and fourteen are already attending training regularly. They can also arrange to meet up and play on one of the courts at any time.
Cosy warmth from wood
As the clubhouse naturally does not meet the insulation standards of modern residential buildings, it was necessary to carefully consider which heat source would be suitable. "In the end, we opted for a wood pellet stove," explains Steffen Höniges. With its eight kilowatts of power and a solid firebox made of extra-strong cast iron, the stove heats the 25 square metre room to a comfortable temperature in just a few minutes. In particularly cold weeks, the association could also run the stove on a low flame. However, this would require someone to visit once a day to top up the pellets. The container provided holds 15 kilograms of pressed wood pellets. This is sufficient for a maximum of 30 hours at the lowest setting. Naturally, the stove fulfils all of today's heating requirements. The appliance can be programmed via a touchscreen. It can even be controlled via a smartphone app.
SWG supported the installation of the modern pellet stove with 500 euros, thus combining the promotion of youth work in the sports club with sustainable heat generation for the first time. "Of course, our primary aim was to improve the conditions for the sporting development of children and young people at the Rauischholzhausen tennis club," summarises Stephanie Orlik. "But the fact that we were also able to help save the environment CO2 on the side is the proverbial cherry on the cake."
Further information on the SWG "Play your game" campaign and applications: www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de