Police, education institutions, and school administration in the Recklinghausen/Bottrop district have reported success with a joint initiative titled "Sport verbindet" (Sport Connects).
In a unique collaboration, the Recklinghausen Police Directorate and schools in Herten and Recklinghausen have been conducting an interactive prevention format called "Sport connects" since 2021. The latest instalment of this initiative took place on September 16, 2025, at the Martin-Luther-Europaschule in Herten.
The project, which combines sports pedagogical elements and prevention, is significant in strengthening social cohesion at schools. Brigitte Rode, from the school administration of Herten, emphasized the importance of innovative prevention formats like "Sport connects".
The "Sport connects" format involves an interactive sports-based scenario where students work together with the police to solve a fictional crime case. Communication, dexterity, and teamwork are the focus of the project.
The goal of the "Sport connects" action is to develop an understanding of police action and break down possible prejudices and fears among young people. Recklinghausen's police president, Friederick Zurhausen, emphasized the importance of trust in successful police work and the goal of promoting trust among young people in the state and its police.
The format allows for authentic encounters and deepens the understanding between school and police in a sustainable way. Conversations and tangible appreciation characterize the interaction between students and police officers, with both parties praising the initiative as a "modern form of police work with a preventive side effect".
School principal Christoph Schenk was enthusiastic about the format, noting the students' great motivation and team spirit. The project has also sparked interest in the police profession, which is a valuable side effect in terms of attracting new talent in the public service.
The Recklinghausen police headquarters aims to continue the "Sport connects" action in the future and integrate it long-term into their catalog of criminal preventive measures. Media inquiries should be directed to the Press Office Recklinghausen at [email protected] or through their social media channels.
The "Sport connects" action aims to sensitize young people to societal values such as mutual respect, teamwork, tolerance, and empathy. Encounters between students and police officers take place on an equal level, free from prejudices or hierarchies.
The fourth iteration of the "Sport verbindet" project, as it is known in German, has been conducted in schools such as the Wolfgang-Borchert-Gesamtschule, Bernard-Overberg-Schule in Recklinghausen, and Rosa-Parks-Schule in Herten. The identity of the person who conducted the project remains undisclosed.
In conclusion, the "Sport connects" initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration between schools and the police in promoting social cohesion, understanding, and trust among young people. It serves as a model for innovative prevention formats that can have a lasting impact on society.
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