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A new summer fairytale? Is soccer providing impetus for society this year too? | Talk round at UNI:Lokal
On Tuesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. in the UNI:Lokal in Wilhelmsstraße, there will be a panel discussion on the relationship between soccer and society. The event is free of charge and open to all interested parties.
It's not just soccer fans who have fond memories of the 2006 summer fairytale - the World Cup in Germany, when the country was gripped by euphoria. Watching soccer together under the summer sky, Germany presented itself as a cosmopolitan host and fans from all over the world felt welcome. The fans brought the World Cup motto "The world as a guest with friends" to life and contributed to a long-term image boost for Germany. With an unsuspected sense of patriotism, the Germans rejoiced at the unexpected successes of the national team, even if the title ultimately went to Italy.
A major soccer tournament is being held in Germany again this year, the European Championship. But in a time of wars and crises, the omens are different. At the same time, expectations are high. After the German national team's improved performance in recent games, fans are dreaming of the title and the whole country is dreaming of a carefree soccer season.
But can there be another summer fairytale in 2024? Are we not overloading soccer with this expectation? What can soccer achieve for society: in terms of integration and social cohesion, for the national mood, for politics and the economy? Which path does soccer take between commercialization and grassroots sport? This will be discussed by Dr. Martin Seip (consultant for fan projects and employee of the University of Kassel), Oliver Zehe (KSV Hessen Kassel), Tom Zölzer (management and coach of Dynamo Windrad e.V.) and Florian Hagemann (head of the Kassel HNA editorial team). Visitors are invited to ask questions. Moderation: Sebastian Mense (press spokesman at the University of Kassel and long-time sports journalist)
Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 6 p.m.
UNI:Lokal, Wilhelmsstraße 21
Admission free