Sports Policy in Bremerhaven: Expansion, Safety, and Financial Adjustments in April 2026

Bremerhaven invests in sports infrastructure and safety concepts

Sports policy in Bremerhaven in April 2026 is characterized by a combination of investments in club facilities, safety measures, and financial adjustments. The Sports and Leisure Committee discussed a variety of club applications aimed at the modernization and preservation of sports facilities. At the same time, usage fees for sports halls were revised and topics such as the prevention of sexualized violence in sports clubs were addressed.

Investments in club facilities and sports venues

In April 2026, the committee approved several investments in Bremerhaven sports clubs to improve their infrastructure and ensure the continuation of sports operations. A central aspect was the application for subsidies and competition funds, which had already been used for similar projects in previous years.

• Ice and Roller Sports Club Bremerhaven applied for a weather protection cover for the roller sports facility in Bürgerpark. With total costs of €5,700 and an applied subsidy of €1,700, the club will receive a grant of 25% (max. €1,425). The facility is largely open, meaning that sports activities are often interrupted by precipitation.

• Riding Club Hof Fehrmoor will also receive a grant of €2,000 for the renovation of the arena's border and floor. A height difference of 70 cm when entering the arena poses a strain on riders and horses, making renovation necessary.

• Wulsdorfer Schützenverein plans to digitize 10 air rifle stations. With total costs of €38,616 and an applied subsidy of €9,654, this measure will be supported. The goal is to make shooting sports safer and more attractive, especially for young people.

• Water Sports Club "Neptun" will receive a grant of €6,500 for the restoration of the pier structure in the Geeste. The pier has tourist significance and will be modernized through the construction of a new substructure and running surfaces.

Financial adjustments and usage fees

In addition to investments, financial adjustments and the future of usage fees for sports halls were also in focus. The committee passed a revised version of the fee schedule, which will come into effect on July 1, 2026.

• New usage fees for sports halls: The new fee schedule proposes charging usage fees for match games, youth, and sports events. Previously, these were free of charge as long as no admission fee was collected. The goal is to generate additional income and ensure the financing of sports facilities.

• Expected additional income: Through the increase in usage fees, an annual additional income of 10% is expected. For 2026, a partial amount of approximately €4,500 and for 2027 approximately €9,000 is planned.

• Differential usage fees: Clubs affiliated with the Bremen State Sports Association or the Bremerhaven City Youth Council benefit from reduced fees. External organizations, on the other hand, pay significantly higher fees. For example, the fee for using the strength training rooms is €15.60 per started hour.

Prevention of sexualized violence in sports

Another central topic was the prevention of sexualized violence in Bremerhaven sports clubs. The committee discussed an oral report by Thomas Kaessler and found that 11 clubs are currently developing protection concepts. The Bremerhaven Rowing Club already has an extensive concept in place.

• No binding requirements: The city of Bremerhaven does not provide binding requirements for the development of protection concepts, but recommends using offers from the Bremen State Sports Association and the Bremerhaven Sports Youth. These provide training and counseling.

• Safe Sport Code: The Safe Sport Code of the Bremen State Sports Association is to be implemented by the end of 2026 and fully applied by 2031. A legal obligation to create protection concepts is seen as an inadmissible interference in the autonomy of sports.

Outlook

Sports policy in Bremerhaven in April 2026 appears dynamic and responsive to the needs of clubs and the population. Investments in sports facilities, financial adjustments, and prevention concepts contribute to making sports in Bremerhaven viable and safe. At the same time, financial challenges, especially those related to the budget, should not be underestimated. The city is seeking a balance between investments and financial sustainability to continue strengthening sports in Bremerhaven.