Cooperation between FC Cologne and the sports university extended until 2030!

Cooperation between FC Cologne and the sports university extended until 2030!

The German Sport University Cologne has extended its cooperation with 1. FC Cologne by five years until 2030. This agreement, which was signed at the end of August 2025, represents a significant continuation of the collaboration that has existed since 2015 and is considered unique in Germany. Both institutions have agreed on several relevant topic areas, including talent development, sports psychology, sports communication, sports economics, digital innovation and sustainability. This diversity illustrates the extensive and deep-rooted partnership between the university and the football club.

The contract was signed by the Rectorate of the Sports University, represented by Rector Prof. Dr. Heiko Strüder, and FC managing director Philipp Liesenfeld. The latter emphasized the crucial role of this partnership for the strategic development of 1. FC Köln. Prof. Dr. Tobias Vogt, Vice Rector for Research and Transfer, emphasized how important close collaboration is in order to offer students practical experience and to bring scientific expertise into the association's work.

Focus on youth development and sports psychology

A central aspect of the cooperation remains the sports psychological support of the FC youth team. This support is intended not only to promote the talents' sporting abilities, but also their personal development. Each U-team in the youth performance center receives support from a sports psychology expert from the German Sports University, which lays the foundation for a successful career in professional sports.

In addition, FC Cologne is supported by various sports science measures, which include, among other things, performance diagnostics and nutritional advice. Another goal is to professionalize the club's youth development in order to optimally train the best talents and prepare them for the highest levels of football.

Integration into digital innovations and sustainability

A significant part of the further development lies in the area of ​​digital innovations. The use of virtual reality systems is primarily considered to implement new training methods and learning approaches. The sports university has also committed to including the topic of sustainability in sport in the agreement, which takes into account the increasing importance of ecological responsibility in professional sport.

The cooperation also offers students of the sports university the opportunity to complete practical seminars in collaboration with FC Cologne. These courses often lead to valuable job offers or internships, which strengthens the connection between theory and practice. Jörg Jakobs, former sporting director of FC and now working at the sports university, plays a key role as a link between the two institutions.

In summary, the extension of the cooperation between the German Sport University Cologne and 1. FC Cologne shows how closely science and top-class sport can work together. This partnership not only contributes to the development of young talent, but also provides valuable scientific insights that are of great benefit to both the university and the club. The initiative is in line with the sports university's goals of putting its scientific results into practice and answering relevant research questions.