VfL Wolfsburg will celebrate its 80-year existence on 12 September. On Tuesday lunchtime, representatives of the city and club unveiled the programme for the anniversary celebrations at a press conference at the venerable Stadion am Elsterweg. Here are the quotes from those involved:
Henning Schillmöller, chairman of VfL Wolfsburg e.V.: “Eighty years of VfL Wolfsburg e.V. – that means 80 years of passionate commitment to our sport, 80 years of activity by thousands of our members and 80 years of joint development with our city and all local partners. Our motto ‘We are sport’ has always represented everyone who carries our colours in their heart: from recreational and grassroots sport to competitive and elite sport, we are proudly committed to all of them. In the future, our goal will continue to be to get even more people active. We look forward with great anticipation to the upcoming events to mark our milestone birthday and invite all Green-and-Whites to celebrate with us.”
Dennis Weilmann, mayor of the city of Wolfsburg: “VfL Wolfsburg has been one of the most important flagships for the sporting city of Wolfsburg for 80 years and the athletes are outstanding ambassadors for us. The sporting successes, for example at the Olympic Games, World and European Championships in numerous sports and disciplines, are milestones in the city's history and the significance of the club in amateur, grassroots, disabled and professional sport is huge for Wolfsburg. Of particular note, of course, are the achievements in football with the Bundesliga title in 2009 and the DFB Cup in 2015 for the men, as well as the countless women’s titles, such as the Champions League in 2013 and 2014. It’s therefore important to the city of Wolfsburg to actively support the celebrations for VfL Wolfsburg’s 80th birthday as a partner and to give fitting recognition to the anniversary and the achievements of the whole club.”
Dr. Sebastian Rudolph, chairman of the VfL Wolfsburg-Fußball GmbH supervisory board and head of corporate communications, Volkswagen: “Eighty years of VfL Wolfsburg – that's eight decades full of passion, shaped by a strong community. The social attachment forms for the foundation of our club. We will continue to shape the tradition of VfL in the future, together with Volkswagen, our fans, players, staff, partners and the many volunteers. Whether it’s league titles, cup wins or Olympic successes, VfL Wolfsburg looks back with pride on an eventful and successful sporting history.”
Marvin Minner, fan representative: “The connection between the [Volkswagen] plant, city and club has defined Wolfsburg for 80 years – and makes it unique to this day. This self-image is very important for all of us. VfL is an integral part of everyone's everyday life in very different ways. We therefore want to use the anniversary as an opportunity to build bridges and shift VfL even more into the spotlight. The more we talk about our club, the clearer it becomes that it unites us all. Be it in the plant, in the city or in the club, we all carry VfL in our hearts.”
Alexander Funke, fan representative: “We’re really looking forward to the club’s anniversary. It offers us the opportunity to put VfL and its divisions even more in the spotlight, as the large mural at the Südkopfcenter impressively demonstrates. Thanks to the good cooperation between the club and the city, such large projects are possible, which are a win-win situation for all of us. With the completion of the VfL wall and the overwhelming response, it became clear how much we are all looking forward to the anniversary weekend. It will be a great celebration for young and old alike, celebrating the success story that is VfL Wolfsburg.”
