Sports Policy in Bremen: Prevention, Infrastructure, and Elite Sports in Focus

Prevention and Security in Bremer Combat Sports: A Sensitive Balance

The Sports Committee of Bremen set a clear focus in February 2026 on preventing right-wing influences in combat sports. The combat sports scene is viewed in Bremen as a relevant risk area for extremist tendencies, particularly due to groups such as "Active Clubs Germania" or "Nordic Fight Club," which are active in the region. A systematic assessment of the Bremer combat sports landscape revealed that 73% of the surveyed providers already implement informal prevention measures – a positive foundation that, however, needs to be structured and networked.

The committee therefore issued recommendations for awareness training, low-threshold support offers, and informational materials. At the same time, the role of coaches is emphasized, as 88% of them are already trained to deal with incidents of violence and discrimination. However, targeted training in terms of anti-social behavior and extremism is often lacking. In this context, cooperation with organizations such as the State Sports Association Bremen and KODEX is of central importance.

These issues are discussed not only from a sports perspective, but also from a socio-political one: Combat sports are a symbol of discipline and strength, but also of violence – an ideal field for politically motivated groups. With this debate, the city of Bremen shows that it does not view sports in isolation, but as part of society.

Investments in Sports Infrastructure: Climate Protection and Renovation in Focus

Another central topic at the February meeting was the renovation and modernization of Bremen's sports infrastructure. With around 51.3 million euros from the special fund "Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality" and a municipal investment program of 1 million euros for sports clubs, Bremen clearly sets its priorities: climate protection and energy renovation.

The funds are flowing into the renovation of sports halls, artificial turf fields, athletics tracks, and swimming pools. Particular attention is paid to energy modernization, such as the renovation of ventilation systems in swimming pools like the Südbad and Schloßparkbad, which are expected to save up to 50 tons of CO2 emissions annually. In addition, the construction of a new leisure pool in Vegesack is planned, with completion targeted for 2031 – a project that pursues both urban planning and sports policy goals.

The city of Bremen is relying on a wide range of projects: from the renovation of the BMX track in Oeversberg (500,000 euros) to the renewal of ball catch fences (140,000 euros) and the basic renovation of the athletics track in Obervieland, which is to be used for the North German Championships 2026. These investments are not only technical improvements, but also investments in the future viability of the Bremen sports landscape.

Elite Sports Schools: Challenges and Opportunities

Another exciting topic was the discussion about Elite Sports Schools (EdS) in Bremen. The secondary school at Ronzelenstraße is striving for certification, which is currently hindered by a lack of structures: the position of the school sports officer is missing, and there is no second federal support center (BSP) in Bremen, making certification difficult. In addition, the lack of networking with other federal states is a problem.

The city wants to become politically active here: A committee trip to Frankfurt is planned to exchange views with an elite sports school and the German Olympic Sports Federation (DOSB). In addition, it is being discussed whether the certification criteria for elite schools should be adjusted, especially as the number of federal support centers is decreasing.

The goal is to make Bremen more attractive in the field of elite sports support – not least through cooperation with Lower Saxony and Hamburg. The discussion shows that the city is not only relying on sporting performance, but also on structural and political support to establish elite sports in Bremen in the long term.

Outlook: A Sports Policy Agenda for the Future

Sports policy in Bremen is moving on several levels in 2026: it addresses socio-political challenges such as right-wing extremism, invests in climate protection and infrastructure, and aims to strengthen elite sports. This agenda shows that sports in Bremen is not viewed in isolation, but as part of a comprehensive urban development.

The next steps are clear: the implementation of prevention strategies in combat sports, the further renovation of sports facilities, the development of support programs for clubs and the stabilization of the elite school structure. With these measures, Bremen wants not only to meet the sporting needs of the population, but also to strengthen social values such as inclusion, security and sustainability.