Ulm is betting on intercultural sports coaches – How sport becomes a bridge for integration

A new approach to integration: Intercultural sports coaches in Ulm

Sport is more than just movement – it can be a link between people of different origins. In Ulm, the project "Intercultural Sports Coaches" is a key topic that will be intensively discussed in April 2026. It aims to strengthen social participation through sport, especially for people with a history of fleeing or migration. This analysis explains how the project works, why it is particularly relevant in Ulm, and what impact it could have on the local sports and integration landscape.

Structure and objectives of the project

The project "Intercultural Sports Coaches" is part of a broader state-wide funding program called "Integration on Site – Strengthening Local Structures." In total, three municipalities in Württemberg are involved, including Ulm. In each of these cities, two intercultural sports coaches will be trained and integrated into the sports environment.

The sports coaches take on a diverse role: They advise individuals, mediate between sports clubs and the community, organize low-threshold offers, and plan a municipal sports action day. In addition, they build networks between clubs, the city administration, and civil society actors – a central function for creating long-term structures for inclusion.

Financially, the project is supported by the Württembergische LandesSportBund (WLSB), which is responsible for the training and organization. The city of Ulm mainly supports in the field of network work and provides a fixed contact person. The sports coaches receive a performance-based allowance through the instructor's allowance, which should strengthen their long-term work motivation.

How sport becomes a bridge for integration

Integration is a process that requires more than just participation in structures – it needs trust, understanding, and access. Sport can play a surprisingly effective role here, as it enables emotional exchange and strengthens common values such as fair play, teamwork, and respect.

The project "Intercultural Sports Coaches" takes another step by deliberately creating translators within sports clubs. These coaches are often themselves migrants or refugees or understand the cultural backgrounds of the target group. As a result, they can act as ambassadors, break down prejudices, and facilitate access to sports offers.

Another important element is the organization of low-threshold sports offers – i.e., offers that do not require long-term commitment or high prior knowledge. This is especially crucial for people with a history of fleeing or migration, who often feel uncertain whether they fit into existing structures.

Impacts and challenges

The impacts of the project are diverse. On the one hand, social participation is strengthened, and on the other hand, local sports are expanded and diversified. Sports clubs gain access to new members and can position themselves as inclusive institutions.

At the same time, there are challenges. Long-term integration depends strongly on the sustainability of the structures. When the project funding ends in September 2028, the city of Ulm must ensure that the work of the sports coaches continues. This also includes the readiness of clubs to integrate the new members in the long term.

Another topic is sensitivity to cultural differences. Sports coaches must handle the backgrounds of the target group sensitively to avoid mistrust. The training provided by the WLSB is a decisive factor for success, as it not only conveys professional competencies but also intercultural sensitivity.

Conclusion: A pilot project with future potential

The project "Intercultural Sports Coaches" is a forward-looking approach that positions Ulm as a modern, inclusive city. It shows how sport not only promotes physical health but also strengthens social participation. With the right support and sustainability, this model could go beyond the project period and be transferred to other areas of integration.

In an era in which migration and integration are central issues, it is important to take new paths – and Ulm shows how it can work.