Training like the pros – a session with the TSG coaching staff

Inspired by the Special Olympics European Football Week, an annual campaign held in late spring to promote inclusion in football across Europe and Eurasia, a special inclusive training session was held with the TSG Hoffenheim coaching team. Footballers with disabilities trained together under the guidance of assistant coaches Dominik Deutschl and Uwe Hölzl. After 30 minutes of drills, the next 30 minutes were spent playing a free-flowing game. 

The focus was on team spirit, enjoyment of exercise and active togetherness. The training session was an impressive demonstration of how inclusion can be successfully implemented in football – with enthusiasm, fairness and mutual respect. It was therefore a successful example of how football can build bridges and create genuine connections.

Also taking part was the inclusive football team from Pilgerhaus Weinheim, who have competed for TSG Hoffenheim in a number of inclusive tournaments and won the Unified Cup last year. The team was due to take part in the Special Olympics Rasenplatz Tournament (North Baden qualifiers) in Mosbach on 16 May. The joint training session with the TSG coaching team was the perfect preparation for the tournament.