Berlin, July 8 – The Berlin Football Association (BFV) and WEISSER RING have reinforced their commitment to victim support, renewing a cooperation agreement aimed at assisting victims of crime across the city. This initiative seeks to leverage the extensive network of Berlin’s football community to recruit volunteers and raise awareness for victim counseling services.
BFV and WEISSER RING: A Renewed Commitment to Victim Support
The renewed agreement was solidified during an introductory meeting on June 24, attended by Rolf Schmachtenberg, Berlin state chair of WEISSER RING, and Bernd Schultz, president of the BFV. Also present were Christine Burck, deputy state chairperson of WEISSER RING, Özgür Özvatan, BFV vice president for social responsibility, and Theresa Hoffmann, head of the relevant BFV department. The existing cooperation agreement on victim protection and victim assistance between the two organizations was officially renewed on October 24, 2024, with Christine Burck serving on the BFV’s Committee for Social Responsibility.
With at least one in every 20 Berliners involved in local football-either as active players, volunteers, or fans-the BFV represents a significant portion of the city’s population. This broad reach makes the association an ideal partner for WEISSER RING in its mission to support crime victims.
Recruiting Volunteers and Raising Awareness
A key focus of the partnership is the recruitment of BFV members to serve as volunteer victim counselors for WEISSER RING. To achieve this, two main agreements will be implemented starting in the fall of 2026:
- The BFV will actively promote this initiative through its various communication channels.
- WEISSER RING will be invited to set up information booths at major football events and tournaments.
The upcoming cup finals in spring 2027 are highlighted as a prime opportunity to directly engage with a large number of people and encourage them to volunteer. Individuals interested in becoming victim counselors can contact the WEISSER RING Berlin regional office via email at [email protected] or by phone at +49 30 8337060.
About WEISSER RING
WEISSER RING is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting victims of crime throughout Germany. The organization operates with approximately 3,000 volunteer victim advocates and over 400 branch offices, providing assistance regardless of gender, age, religion, nationality, or political beliefs. More information about the vital work of WEISSER RING can be found on their official website.
This renewed collaboration underscores the commitment of both the BFV and WEISSER RING to fostering a safer and more supportive community in Berlin, leveraging the power of sport to address critical social issues.
