Spirit of Football e.V.
Spirit of Football e.V.
Spirit of Football e.V.
Partner
Germany
Location
3 Years
Duration
Introduction
Breaking barriers and building bridges through football.
Fairplay Workshop with Roma children in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 2018.
Community details
Spirit of Football e.V. (SoF) is based in Thuringia, in the former East Germany, a region celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. There has been an increase in discrimination, however, reflected even on local football fields, and SoF actively meets these challenges through initiatives like VAR (Anti-discrimination Referee Project) and GPS (Girls and Women's Football Project). SoF works with young people and marginalized groups, including refugees, migrants, girls, women, and individuals with disabilities, to challenge prejudice and promote inclusivity. Their work is not limited to Thuringia but extends its positive impact across Germany and around the world.
About the project
SoF's work lies on the pillars of diversity, respect, and teamwork. By harnessing the unifying power of football, our non-profit promotes social inclusion, integration, cultural exchange, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. We bring together people from diverse backgrounds to foster mutual understanding and empower communities to take action against discrimination. SoF’s projects such as VAR, which equips referees to effectively counter racism on and off the pitch, and GPS, which empowers girls and young women to overcome inequalities, create pathways for a more inclusive and sustainable future through football in Thuringia.
“Hands on Ball“ Photo by Gottfried Evers in 2018
United by Sport
SoF uses the power of sport to unite communities and confront discrimination head-on. Through strong networks and by empowering their partners and participants (especially referees, girls and women), SoF’s work contributes to a fairer and more compassionate society. Through their VAR and GPS initiatives they inspire action both on and off the field, ensuring that a transformative spirit of football helps pave the way for lasting social change.
Requested grant amount
€150,000
media gallery
“Hands on Ball“ Photo by Gottfried Evers in 2018
partner
