Rostock's Sports Development Planning: A Future-Oriented Strategy for Movement and Health

A Strategic Foundation for Sports Development in Rostock

The Hanseatic and university city of Rostock adopted its First Sports Development Plan in April 2026. This plan serves as a strategic management tool for municipal sports policy and is part of a future-oriented approach aimed at sustainably securing and developing the city's sports and movement landscape. The plan is based on a participatory study conducted by the Institute for Municipal Sports Development Planning (INSPO), which included both municipal actors and citizens. The goal is to optimize the spatial, organizational, and communicative structures of sports development.

Three Central Areas of Action for Sports Development

The sports development plan is divided into three central areas of action:

1. Target Groups, Offer Structures, and Organizations
The plan focuses on an intergenerational approach to sports development, particularly for children, youth, and older people. It also takes into account the above-average participation of people with disabilities in sports activities. Furthermore, the trend toward non-club-based sports—accounting for about two-thirds of all sports activities in Rostock—is being used as an opportunity to create new offers and structures.

2. Communication, Cooperation, and Networks
The inclusion of clubs, schools, kindergartens, and municipal institutions is a key factor in the success of the plan. Through targeted cooperation and information events, the diversity of sports offerings is to be made more visible and accessible. The opening of the sports field "Rote Erde" in April 2026 is a concrete sign of the implementation of this strategy.

3. Spatial Infrastructure and Sports Opportunities
To ensure good access to sports facilities and venues, a sports facility development plan is being pursued. This also addresses the needs of individual districts—such as Evershagen. Clubs that frequently have to change training locations due to poor conditions receive special attention in the plan. The digital booking platform http://sportstaetten.rostock.de is used as a central point for organization.

Long-Term Planning and Financial Security

The sports development plan is designed for a period of at least ten years and will be regularly updated. Financial security is enshrined in the budget ordinance, ensuring investments in sports infrastructure and sports promotion. The plan has implications for areas such as sports facility development, sports promotion, and fee regulation, which are addressed in separate decision-making processes.

The current demographic development—with rising membership numbers among children and youth and an increasing number of older people—is actively integrated into the planning. In addition, a representative citizen survey with over 10,000 participants showed that a large portion of the population is interested in more physical activity. This potential is actively utilized in the sports development plan.

A Glimpse into the Future

Rostock's First Sports Development Plan marks a milestone in municipal sports policy. With a sports activity rate of 86%, significantly above the national average, and broad participation from all population groups, Rostock has demonstrated a high level of movement culture. The implementation of the plan will be crucial in the coming years to maintain and further develop these structures. The results of the plan are documented in a final report and a summary, forming the basis for future decisions and investments.