The school league now inspires a large number of students in the region and has also established itself in Wolfsburg as a genuine success story. The focus extends far beyond football: under the motto “You are talented and valuable”, it is about fairness, team spirit and shared experiences. After several matchdays, the competition is now heading toward its climax – the grand final on 19 May. Among the participants is Gunzelin Realschule from Peine, which has supported the project from the very beginning and is now eagerly looking forward to this special event. In the interview, the teacher talks about the development of the school league, its importance for young people and the extraordinary journey to the final.
Why did you or your school become part of the school league from the very beginning?
Petra Finke: I first heard about the project through my role as head of department. It immediately sounded appealing and exactly right for our students. The project is not solely focused on performance; rather, it emphasises social interaction, fairness and personal responsibility, and gives everyone the chance to achieve success. That is exactly what our students need, as they experience it far too rarely in our performance-driven structure, whether at school or in society as a whole.
Could you have imagined the development and scale the school league has now reached?
Finke: I hoped for it, but it wasn’t necessarily foreseeable. In everyday school life, it’s not always easy to get students and colleagues excited about extracurricular activities, especially when they regularly impact the daily routine. However, football has such a large following that I believe this is the reason for the high level of participation, along with the democratic and social aspects the project aims to promote. This combination integrates well into the responsibilities of schools and justifies the effort involved.
What significance does this event have for the students?
Finke: The students enjoy it and look forward to it every time. You’re often asked in the corridor or during lessons when it will start again. The students are willing to give up their free time, as matchdays sometimes extended beyond regular school hours.
What is behind your journey by special train?
Finke: The special train is necessary because the fan base is huge. The project, the programme and the prospect of giving all our students the opportunity to visit a stadium once convinced us to bring almost all of them along. That means around 400 students from Gunzelin Realschule alone. Without a special train, it simply wouldn’t be possible to take on the challenge of travelling with so many students.
What is the current mood and level of anticipation among the young people ahead of the final?
Finke: The excitement is high. Some players have great respect for the idea of playing in front of such a large crowd. The fans aren’t entirely sure what to expect yet, but they are approaching the day with excitement and anticipation.
When the grand final takes place on 19 May, the school league will reach its emotional peak. The best teams from Wolfsburg, Peine and Gifhorn will face each other. One thing above all will take centre stage: a day full of community, fairness and unforgettable experiences. Accompanied by a varied supporting programme with music, dance and other activities, the final will become a special event for everyone involved – entirely in keeping with the motto: everyone is talented and valuable.
