The "Sport vernetzt Jena" Association Focuses on Growth and Strong Partners

Reaching more children, creating more physical activity opportunities, and collaborating even more closely: SPORT VERNETZT Jena e.V. is kicking off its second season (2026/27) with ambitious goals. The latest report to the Jena City Council highlights the network’s positive development while also outlining its next objectives.

The program will expand from 12 to 15 physical activity sessions per week starting with the new 2026–27 school year. At the same time, the offerings on weekends and during school breaks will be expanded. The goal for the coming season is to reach at least 250 children and provide them with the easiest possible access to physical activity and sports.

The network in Winzerla itself has also grown significantly. The number of participating schools rose from one to three, and the number of sports clubs from one to four. In addition, there are numerous other partners from a wide variety of fields. In the daycare sector, SPORT VERNETZT Jena e.V. continues to have a very strong presence with four facilities.

Growth Requires Strong Structures

With additional staff resources, SPORT VERNETZT Jena e.V. is now taking the next step in its development. The additional staff will make it possible to expand physical activity programs, provide more intensive support to partners, and establish new collaborations. Another focus of the new season is the transition from school-based physical activity programs to club sports. After their first exposure to physical activity and sports, children should have the opportunity to continue on this path in a sports club. The growing number of participating clubs creates better conditions for this.

From the First Physical Activity Program to a Lasting Passion for Sports

To this end, connections between daycare centers, schools, sports clubs, and partners will be further strengthened during the 2026–27 season. At the same time, the focus extends beyond the daily routine of daycare centers and schools: Weekend and vacation programs are designed to create additional opportunities to naturally integrate physical activity into children’s everyday lives.

SPORT VERNETZT Jena e.V. sees itself as a network and a bridge-builder in this effort. Developments over the past year show that this approach works: more institutions, more sports clubs, and additional partners are working together to provide children with access to physical activity.

“SPORT VERNETZT Jena exemplifies how a strong alliance of daycare centers, schools, sports clubs, and social institutions—with municipal involvement—can create sustainable structures that provide all children with reliable access to physical activity and sports. This approach is receiving significant attention and recognition throughout Germany. I see particular potential at the “Friedrich Schiller” Elementary School, which, through its ‘Movement Band’ program, integrates play, sports, and physical activity into everyday school life far beyond individual activities. My thanks go to all the dedicated local stakeholders who are working together to drive this long-term development forward,” 

says Igor Ryabinin, Director of SPORT VERNETZT and board member of SPORT VERNETZT Jena e.V.

Benjamin Engelhardt, member of the management board and executive board of Baskets Jena GmbH, adds: 

“For the past year, SPORT VERNETZT Jena e.V. has been demonstrating what can be achieved when sports, education, and social organizations take joint responsibility. For us at Science City Jena, it’s important to be present not only on the playing field, but also where children and families go about their daily lives. SPORT VERNETZT Jena creates exactly these connections and provides children with low-barrier access to physical activity and sports. The first year as an association is an important milestone—but above all, it’s a starting point for further development. We look forward to continuing on this path together and helping to ensure that even more children in Jena benefit from the diverse and free physical activity programs.”

The next goals are clear

For the 2026–27 school year, SPORT VERNETZT Jena therefore has clear goals: 15 physical activity programs, reaching at least 250 children, more programs on weekends and during school breaks, and even smoother transitions from school-based programs to club sports.

The aim is not merely to expand our reach. In the long term, the goal is to create structures that have an impact beyond individual programs and sustainably embed physical activity promotion in Jena.

“Sports shouldn’t be a matter of financial means, background, or place of residence. When we founded SPORT VERNETZT, our vision was to provide all children in Winzerla with a weekly, free physical activity program. After one year, it’s clear: this program is needed and well-received. Daycare centers, schools, and families show us just how valuable low-barrier access to physical activity and community is. For me, this tremendous response is both an incentive and a mission: We must carry this idea forward and, step by step, provide all children in Jena with access to sports and physical activity,” 

said Johannes Schleußner, head of the sports department and board member.