In 2007, Scort initiated the partnership programme ‘The Football Club Social Alliance’ (FCSA) to encourage professional football clubs to engage sustainably in international development work.
Our football specific education programmes are implemented with the FCSA and aim to strengthen the training and leadership competencies as well as the personal development of the participants. This gives them the opportunity to positively influence the lives of many children.
The FCSA is a network of socially engaged European football clubs with its permanent partner clubs FC Basel 1893, SV Werder Bremen, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, FK Austria Wien, FC Schalke 04 and 1. FSV Mainz 05.
Together, the clubs are active in crisis and former conflict regions as well as in disability football in Central Europe. The FCSA‘s main objective is to educate active and motivated young adults to become so-called Young Coaches: children’s football coaches and social role models.
“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.”
“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!”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
Together, we educate young people as qualified football coaches and role models for disadvantaged children and by doing so, inspire them to become socially engaged in their community.
