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On The Field - Soccer Camps
As part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Goethe-Institut USA is organizing interactive soccer camps at selected schools in the United States.
The camps are part of the Goethe-Institut USA's educational campaign for the 2026 World Cup. They combine sports, language, and intercultural exchange, creating new approaches to German culture in the context of a global sporting event.
The camps are part of the Goethe-Institut USA's educational campaign for the 2026 World Cup. They combine sports, language, and intercultural exchange, creating new approaches to German culture in the context of a global sporting event.
Learning German on the soccer field
Two professional, German-speaking coaches from our partner organization Auf Ballhöhe lead the camps. They combine sports activities with practical language exercises. Training on the field and language reflection in the classroom complement each other perfectly. The camps are based on a specially developed curriculum with accompanying teaching materials from the Goethe-Institut.
The soccer camps use sports as a bridge for motivation, encounters, and intercultural exchange.
What happens at a soccer camp?
A camp usually lasts one school day and can be extended to two days if necessary. Soccer training and language elements are closely linked.
The day includes:
- Professionally led training sessions
- Interactive language activities related to soccer
- Team-oriented exercises
- Hands-on integration of basic German terms into game situations
The format is suitable for middle schools whose students have not yet had any contact with the German language, as well as for advanced learners at high schools or colleges who want to expand their vocabulary and apply their language skills in a new context.
The camps take place on the sports field or in the sports hall of the respective school and are implemented in close coordination with the responsible teacher.
Target audience
The camps are geared toward:
- Students from elementary school through high school
- German learners and learners with no prior knowledge
- Young people with or without soccer experience
- College students, upon request
Conditions
The program is carried out in close cooperation with partner schools. Sports facilities and suitable premises are provided on site. In addition, the school supports the organizational implementation of the camp, for example, in communicating with parents, registering participants, coordinating break and lunch arrangements, and other logistical processes.
The Goethe-Institut is responsible for the overall educational concept, provides the trainers and accompanying teaching materials, and oversees the implementation of the format's content.
Soccer as a connecting bridge
Soccer brings people together. It creates direct encounters between people, promotes dialogue and mutual understanding – regardless of language or origin.
Combined with targeted language support, this creates a learning environment that goes far beyond traditional teaching, motivates students, and opens up new perspectives.
Dates 2026
WESTCOAST
March 18, 2026 - Albert Einstein Academies Middle School, San Diego, California
March 19, 2026 - Albert Einstein Academies Elementary School, San Diego, California
March 20, 2026 - Goethe International Charter School, Los Angeles, California
March 23, 2026 - Pomona College & Claremont Middle School, Claremont, California
March 24, 2026 - Goethe International Charter School, Los Angeles, California
March 25, 2026 - Claremont High School, Claremont, California
MIDWEST
February 26, 2026 - Kankakee Valley High School, IndianaFebruary 28, 2026 - KATG STUDENT CONGRESS at the University of Kansas
The Student Congress is a statewide competition for high school students learning German. Every year, around 200-300 students take part in the event.
It is organized by the Kansas Association of Teachers of German, and all German learners in middle schools and high schools in Kansas are invited to participate in the activities.
March 2, 2026 - Olathe South High School, Olathe, Kansas
March 3, 2026 - Olathe East High School, Olathe, Kansas
March 4, 2026 - Olathe Northwest High School, Olathe, Kansas
March 5, 2026 - Washburn Rural High School, Topeka, Kansas
Additional camps in spring and summer 2026 will follow. The schedule will be updated regularly.
Contact
If you have any questions about the AUF DEM PLATZ soccer camps, please contact:
