The Scort Foundation founded the Football Club Social Alliance (FCSA) in 2007. The FCSA is a partnership of professional European football clubs. The partner clubs use the unifying power and values of football to make a sustainable contribution to the education of young people who work with disadvantaged children through sports.

The Football Club Social Alliance has successfully implemented the Young Coach Education Programme in numerous conflict, post-war or developing regions around the world over the past years.

Click here to download a brochure about the FCSA.

PARTNERS

Members of the Football Club Social Alliance

Football can foster development and peace. That is what the partner clubs of The Football Club Social Alliance believe in and thus team up to empower role models – together we inspire!

FC Basel 1893
FC Basel 1893

FC Basel 1893 plays in the highest football league in Switzerland. Being currently the second most successful Swiss football club, FCB regularly competes in the UEFA Champions League. In 2008, FC Basel 1893 was one of the founding members of the Alliance and thus took over the role of a pioneer in social engagement through football. From day one the club has contributed with great enthusiasm and commitment to various national and international Alliance projects.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment.

SV Werder Bremen
SV Werder Bremen

SV Werder Bremen is a very traditional and popular German Bundesliga club. In fact, they were considered as one of the forerunners for social activities in European football. Werder shows awareness for their social responsibility with WERDER BEWEGT – a multi-faceted, highly recognized and repeatedly awarded CSR programme. Werder is a founding member of the Alliance and has enriched national and international projects with their professional input since 2008.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment (German only).

Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bayer 04 Leverkusen, often referred to as “Werkself”, is one of the most successful and well-known German Bundesliga clubs, consistently qualifying for European competitions. The club also shows great commitment in the social field, for example with its own subsidiary “Sportförderung gGmbH” which was founded to deal with the education and training of socially and physically disadvantaged young people. In 2009, Bayer 04 Leverkusen became a member of the Football Club Social Alliance and has been a highly committed and reliable partner club ever since.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment.

FK Austria Wien
FK Austria Wien

FK Austria Wien plays in the highest Austrian football league and is considered to be one of the most influential Austrian sport clubs. The club regularly engages in corporate volunteering activities, deploying their football stars and other staff members for social initiatives and charitable functions. The “Violets” have been a member of the Football Club Social Alliance since 2012. They have made a significant contribution to the Alliance’s work from their very first involvement.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment (German only).

FC Schalke 04
FC Schalke 04

Fußballclub Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e. V., commonly known as FC Schalke 04, is a professional football team that ply their trade in the German Bundesliga. The “04” in the club’s name derives from its formation in 1904. FC Schalke 04 started as a colliers’ and grafters’ club and, to this day, remains an integral part of the community with a strong social commitment. In 2017, FC Schalke 04 became a member of the Football Club Social Alliance.

>> Further information about the club.

1. FSV Mainz 05
1. FSV Mainz 05

1.FSV Mainz 05 is a professional football club that plays in the top division in Germany, the Bundesliga. The club is situated in a culturally rich city with a large university. The club has a long tradition and was founded in 1905. During recent years, Mainz 05 has become an established Bundesliga club and also experienced European football in the UEFA Europa League. The club has strong ties in the community and is already engaged in several social activities for families, persons with disabilities and climate change to name a few. In 2018, Mainz 05 became a member of the Football Club Social Alliance.

>> Further information about the club.

FC Basel 1893
FC Basel 1893

FC Basel 1893 plays in the highest football league in Switzerland. Being currently the second most successful Swiss football club, FCB regularly competes in the UEFA Champions League. In 2008, FC Basel 1893 was one of the founding members of the Alliance and thus took over the role of a pioneer in social engagement through football. From day one the club has contributed with great enthusiasm and commitment to various national and international Alliance projects.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment.

SV Werder Bremen
SV Werder Bremen

SV Werder Bremen is a very traditional and popular German Bundesliga club. In fact, they were considered as one of the forerunners for social activities in European football. Werder shows awareness for their social responsibility with WERDER BEWEGT – a multi-faceted, highly recognized and repeatedly awarded CSR programme. Werder is a founding member of the Alliance and has enriched national and international projects with their professional input since 2008.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment (German only).

Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Bayer 04 Leverkusen, often referred to as “Werkself”, is one of the most successful and well-known German Bundesliga clubs, consistently qualifying for European competitions. The club also shows great commitment in the social field, for example with its own subsidiary “Sportförderung gGmbH” which was founded to deal with the education and training of socially and physically disadvantaged young people. In 2009, Bayer 04 Leverkusen became a member of the Football Club Social Alliance and has been a highly committed and reliable partner club ever since.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment.

FK Austria Wien
FK Austria Wien

FK Austria Wien plays in the highest Austrian football league and is considered to be one of the most influential Austrian sport clubs. The club regularly engages in corporate volunteering activities, deploying their football stars and other staff members for social initiatives and charitable functions. The “Violets” have been a member of the Football Club Social Alliance since 2012. They have made a significant contribution to the Alliance’s work from their very first involvement.

>> Further information about the club’s social commitment (German only).

FC Schalke 04
FC Schalke 04

Fußballclub Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e. V., commonly known as FC Schalke 04, is a professional football team that ply their trade in the German Bundesliga. The “04” in the club’s name derives from its formation in 1904. FC Schalke 04 started as a colliers’ and grafters’ club and, to this day, remains an integral part of the community with a strong social commitment. In 2017, FC Schalke 04 became a member of the Football Club Social Alliance.

>> Further information about the club.

1. FSV Mainz 05
1. FSV Mainz 05

1.FSV Mainz 05 is a professional football club that plays in the top division in Germany, the Bundesliga. The club is situated in a culturally rich city with a large university. The club has a long tradition and was founded in 1905. During recent years, Mainz 05 has become an established Bundesliga club and also experienced European football in the UEFA Europa League. The club has strong ties in the community and is already engaged in several social activities for families, persons with disabilities and climate change to name a few. In 2018, Mainz 05 became a member of the Football Club Social Alliance.

>> Further information about the club.

WHAT IS THE ALLIANCE?

WHAT IS THE ALLIANCE?

The Football Club Social Alliance (FCSA) is a network of professional European football clubs that team up for social change. Their engagement has absolutely no reference to talent promotion. Instead, it clearly focuses on the holistic development of young leaders and the children in their community.

The FCSA’s main engagement is the so-called Young Coach Education Programme.

 

WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE YOUNG COACH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES?

Educate young women and men (age 18-28) to become coaches in grassroots football and proactive leaders in their communities.

WHO ARE THESE “YOUNG COACHES”?

A Young Coach can be anybody who already works with children on a voluntary or professional basis. They are teachers, social workers and trainers addressing social issues, such as peace building, HIV/Aids and malaria prevention.

 

WHO RUNS THE PROGRAMMES?

Experts of the European football clubs, local partner organisations and the Scort Foundation.

 

WHERE DO THE PROGRAMMES TAKE PLACE?

Everywhere, where the FCSA’s engagement adds value to already existing social projects – basically anywhere in the world.

AMBASSADORS

The Ambassadors of The Football Club Social Alliance support the social engagement of their clubs and share with them the endeavour to promote underprivileged young people and their development.

Ursula Rey-Krayer, FC Basel 1893
Ursula Rey-Krayer, FC Basel 1893

„Taking our social responsibility beyond the pitch is crucial for us at FC Basel 1893. Football is much more than competition or sport. Together with the Football Club Social Alliance we can teach young people in conflict and crisis regions social values through football and promote tolerance, inclusion, and social integration. We are proud to be part of this great initiative.“

Jan Delay, SV Werder Bremen
Jan Delay, SV Werder Bremen

“Football is more than just a ‘sport’, it is about great art, passion, respect and tolerance! Everybody should have the chance to learn these values, no matter where they live and irrespective of past experiences. The Football Club Social Alliance offers children and youths all over the world the possibility to learn and live through sport. Sport and team spirit can further tolerance at least as much as music!”

Rudi Völler, Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Rudi Völler, Bayer 04 Leverkusen

“Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s social responsibility is as important as the daily business of the Bundesliga. The development of young people through a sustainable collaboration with the Football Club Social Alliance is a heartfelt task, which brings great engagement and joy. The experience of participating in team sports makes us stronger as we work for and rely on others. This sense of belonging should be fostered in all social classes and regions of the world. The Football Club Social Alliance is such a team, supporting one another in its social engagement.”

Thomas Stipsits, FK Austria Wien
Thomas Stipsits, FK Austria Wien

“Football is a game of the head, heart, and gut. You need to have a broad vision, support your team with passion, and often act intuitively. The Football Club Social Alliance helps children and young people worldwide to develop precisely these skills: playing football with openness, an international perspective and heart and soul.”

Martin Max, FC Schalke 04
Martin Max, FC Schalke 04

“The concept of the Football Club Social Alliance is a fantastic way to join forces and support people in difficult circumstances. We do have it really, really good here. That’s why I think we – especially us as professional football clubs – should give something back. FC Schalke 04 is happy to be part of this Alliance and I am proud to be ambassador of the FCSA for FC Schalke 04.”

Niko Bungert, 1. FSV Mainz 05
Niko Bungert, 1. FSV Mainz 05

“Football bears a great responsibility in society. Embracing this responsibility has been an integral part of the philosophy of 1. FSV Mainz 05 for many years. The Football Club Social Alliance makes it possible for us to fulfil this commitment on a global level. Being able to familiarise children and adolescents from all over the world with the values of team spirit, tolerance, mutual respect and joy through the power of football is great. We are proud to be part of this initiative.”

Ursula Rey-Krayer, FC Basel 1893
Ursula Rey-Krayer, FC Basel 1893

„Taking our social responsibility beyond the pitch is crucial for us at FC Basel 1893. Football is much more than competition or sport. Together with the Football Club Social Alliance we can teach young people in conflict and crisis regions social values through football and promote tolerance, inclusion, and social integration. We are proud to be part of this great initiative.“

Jan Delay, SV Werder Bremen
Jan Delay, SV Werder Bremen

“Football is more than just a ‘sport’, it is about great art, passion, respect and tolerance! Everybody should have the chance to learn these values, no matter where they live and irrespective of past experiences. The Football Club Social Alliance offers children and youths all over the world the possibility to learn and live through sport. Sport and team spirit can further tolerance at least as much as music!”

Rudi Völler, Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Rudi Völler, Bayer 04 Leverkusen

“Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s social responsibility is as important as the daily business of the Bundesliga. The development of young people through a sustainable collaboration with the Football Club Social Alliance is a heartfelt task, which brings great engagement and joy. The experience of participating in team sports makes us stronger as we work for and rely on others. This sense of belonging should be fostered in all social classes and regions of the world. The Football Club Social Alliance is such a team, supporting one another in its social engagement.”

Thomas Stipsits, FK Austria Wien
Thomas Stipsits, FK Austria Wien

“Football is a game of the head, heart, and gut. You need to have a broad vision, support your team with passion, and often act intuitively. The Football Club Social Alliance helps children and young people worldwide to develop precisely these skills: playing football with openness, an international perspective and heart and soul.”

Martin Max, FC Schalke 04
Martin Max, FC Schalke 04

“The concept of the Football Club Social Alliance is a fantastic way to join forces and support people in difficult circumstances. We do have it really, really good here. That’s why I think we – especially us as professional football clubs – should give something back. FC Schalke 04 is happy to be part of this Alliance and I am proud to be ambassador of the FCSA for FC Schalke 04.”

Niko Bungert, 1. FSV Mainz 05
Niko Bungert, 1. FSV Mainz 05

“Football bears a great responsibility in society. Embracing this responsibility has been an integral part of the philosophy of 1. FSV Mainz 05 for many years. The Football Club Social Alliance makes it possible for us to fulfil this commitment on a global level. Being able to familiarise children and adolescents from all over the world with the values of team spirit, tolerance, mutual respect and joy through the power of football is great. We are proud to be part of this initiative.”

VISION & MISSION

The Alliance uses the unifying power and values of football to contribute to the education of disadvantaged young people and to sustainably foster their development.

A partnership to educate and empower through football.

Together we educate young people as qualified football coaches and role models for disadvantaged children and by doing this inspire them to become socially engaged in their community.

Together we inspire.

YOUNG COACH EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Young Coach Education Programme is based on an interactive and demonstrative learning concept, designed to sustainably empower committed young people as social role models. Supported by Scort staff as well as local partner organisations, the football clubs’ instructors train these people to become Young Coaches – to ultimately have great positive influence on their societies and locally important social issues.

 

HOW LONG IS A PROGRAMME?

6 to 12 months in total in which the clubs run 3 to 4 one-week workshops in the respective project region.

 

WHAT IS THE CONTENT OF THE PROGRAMME?

Three equal pillars – coaching skills, leadership education as well as training on how to convey life and soft skills.

1st PILLAR

COACHING SKILLS

Convey technical and organisational skills in the field of grassroots/children’s football

e.g. basic football techniques, organisation of football festvals/tournaments/training sessions…

 

International Instructors of the Clubs

 

2nd PILLAR

Leadership Skills

Convey pedagogical and social skills to help Young Coaches work with children on and off the pitch

e.g. teambuilding, coaching methods, communication, acting as role model, code of conduct…

 

International Instructors of the Clubs

 

3rd PILLAR

Life & Soft Skills

Convey local relevant topics as well as non-football related skills for further personal development

e.g. health promotion (first aid, WASH, malaria prevention), conflict management, problem solving, seeking external support, PR, strategic planning…

Experts of Local Partner Organisations and Scort Staff

 

FOOTBALL FOR DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT THROUGH FOOTBALL

Strategic Partners

All partners and friends of the Football Club Social Alliance are united by the goal of using their social commitment to foster positive change. The long-term co-operation with our strategic partners is an important component to our success. We much appreciate the collaboration of all partnerships and hope to keep achieving great things together in the future.