Report to Society 2025

Social

Volunteering and community sport

Savings Banks honour volunteer coaches

Volunteering is the foundation of community sport. Without it, many clubs would be unable to maintain their activities. This would mean a loss of important contributions to improving quality of life, promoting health and fostering social inclusion in the regions.

In particular, the many volunteer coaches in clubs across Germany carry out invaluable work day in, day out, not only by developing sporting skills but also by fostering social skills and enabling personal development. As indispensable as their commitment to sport is, it unfortunately often goes unnoticed. That is why the Savings Banks Finance Group launched the nationwide campaign ‘Eure Trainer gesucht! (m/w/d)’ in 2025.

€105.7 million
in funding from the Savings Banks Finance Group for sport in 2025.

Social commitment of the Savings Banks Finance Group 2025

  • €135.8m 
           
    social affairs and education
  • €138.4m 
           
    art and culture
  • €105.7m 
           
    sport
  • €24.7m 
           
    environment
  • €24.8m 
           
    promotion of research, business and science
  • €74.2m 
           
    other public welfare purposes
€503.6 million total volume

Nationwide campaign “Eure Trainer gesucht! (m/w/d)”

From September 2025, athletes and fans from all over Germany were able to nominate the coaches they considered to be the best, most motivated, most successful or most popular on Savings Bank.de. More than 1,800 nominations were received – some accompanied by moving stories and personal messages of thanks. “Every nomination impressively demonstrates just how important the work of coaches is for our society,” emphasises Tanja Tschurer, Head of the Social Engagement Department at the Savings Banks Association. “They are the backbone of clubs and foster not only sporting talent but also values such as team spirit and fairness.”

The response during the subsequent public voting phase confirmed the high regard in which they are held within the German voluntary sector. On 5 December 2025 – International Volunteer Day – the moment finally arrived: one regional winner from each federal state was announced and awarded 2,500 euros for their respective club. In addition, four further nominees were each awarded 2,500 euros for their clubs via a wildcard draw. Among the 16 regional winners, the three main prizes were then drawn at random: these top winners were each awarded 5,000 euros for their clubs and, in addition, were invited to travel  with Team Germany to the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

In total, prizes worth well over 50,000 euros were awarded – a welcome financial boost for the winning clubs. At the same time, the nationwide Savings Bank campaign was about more than just money. Initiatives such as ‘Eure Trainer gesucht! (m/w/d)’ provide a platform for everyday heroes, offering recognition and public appreciation. In doing so, they help to inspire people to take up voluntary work in the future and ensure the long-term viability of sport across the board.