With the "Play your game" campaign, Stadtwerke Gießen supports clubs and institutions that systematically inspire and encourage young people to take part in sporting activities. Since 6 September, HSG Wettenberg has also been one of the beneficiaries. The club received hoodies for its young handball players.
Central Hessen is a traditional handball region. Many clubs offer this attractive and dynamic team sport - especially for young people and children. One of these clubs is HSG Wettenberg. A total of around 350 active players of all ages regularly score goals here. This also includes 35 six to eight-year-old girls and boys who meet regularly on Thursdays for training in Wißmar.
Team spirit as a learning objective
In addition to the techniques and tactics required for handball, coach Eva Fiedler teaches her protégés one thing above all: team spirit. To strengthen this even further, she and her team applied to "Spiel' Dein Spiel", the popular youth development programme run by Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG). And they were accepted: on 6 September, Stephanie Orlik, responsible for sponsorship at SWG, brought 35 hoodies for the handball kids to training. "Uniform team clothing plays an important role in creating a sense of togetherness - especially among children," says Stephanie Orlik, explaining the decision to support HSG Wettenberg in this way. "It's always great to see how committed coaches get children excited about sport. We are happy to make our modest contribution to this."
"We are delighted with the great jumpers from SWG," said Eva Fiedler at the handover. And adds: "This purchase for the midis and maxis would probably not have been possible with the club's own funds." As with most other clubs of this size, those responsible at HSG Wettenberg have to think carefully about what they spend money on. Especially as the club has no fewer than 23 teams playing in the various leagues. "They all need jerseys and team clothing," the coach points out.
Of course, the new jerseys don't guarantee victories. That's not what it's all about in this age group anyway. Goals are not counted in the tournaments and therefore no winners are determined. In the end, everyone receives the same prizes. There is a good reason for this: the fun of the game should take centre stage. Nevertheless, the uniform clothing helps the little ones to identify with the club. And that is precisely what is important to keep them loyal over many years. If this is successful and the youngsters integrate themselves into the youth teams and later into the adult teams, sporting success will sooner or later come of its own accord.
Further information:
www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de