VfL Oldenburg: New protection concept for children against violence in sport!

VfL Oldenburg: New protection concept for children against violence in sport!

In Oldenburg, VfL Oldenburg is causing a stir with a new protection concept for children and young people. In view of recent allegations against a youth coach who is said to have insulted a ten-year-old, the club has launched the initiative “Association for the Protection against Sexual Violence in Sport – AWARD!” brought into being. Loud NWZ online This prevention program is supported by the Lower Saxony State Sports Association.

The concept includes a total of eight building blocks that aim to create a safe environment for young athletes. This includes, among other things, the training of confidants, the development of rules of conduct and clear procedures in the event of suspected cases. This is particularly important because at least 37 criminal investigations have been initiated against youth coaches for violent crimes in Germany since 2020, affecting at least 130 boys and girls. The allegations range from insults to more serious incidents that illustrate an urgent need for action.

A holistic approach to prevention

In order to ensure sustainable protection, VfL Oldenburg relies on the application of the “Safe Sport Code” and requires extended certificates of good conduct from all people who work in the children and youth sector. In addition, rules of conduct for dealing with children and young people in the sports facility are implemented. These measures are not only in line with the new requirements of the reformed SGB VIII, which has increasingly focused on protection concepts since 2021, but also the parity one reported.

The concept is dynamically developed and reviewed at regular intervals. It is crucial that all employees as well as children and young people are actively involved in the development of these protection concepts. The sentence “Ignorance makes you afraid – knowledge makes you strong” has particular meaning in this context.

Care and support for everyone involved

To strengthen the protection system, the association plans to include support offers such as advice from the city sports association or the prevention council. Persons of trust are trained in special counseling courses in order to identify risks at an early stage and offer support to those affected. This is also reflected in nationwide initiatives, as announced by the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth: projects such as “Dare!” or “School against Sexual Violence” promote education and support in the area of ​​sexual assault. According to information from, emphasis is placed on further training for specialists and raising awareness of children's rights BMBF.

With its comprehensive youth protection concept, VfL Oldenburg demonstrates that the protection of children and young people in sport has the highest priority. It is all the more important that the measures are continuously evaluated and adapted to the constantly changing requirements.