Case

The Challenge

As the Winter Olympics 2020 loomed on the horizon, the Prefecture Miyazaki aimed to strengthen the connection between Japan and Germany, especially the German culture and language. With the Olympics scheduled for July and August 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Miyazaki wanted to build bridges and foster an understanding of German culture and language among the Japanese people.

To achieve this, Schaechter Sports engaged its partner, Mainz 05, to create a series of engaging events, taking advantage of the power of football as a common language that transcends borders.

Our Strategy

Schaechter Sports and Mainz 05, in collaboration with the Prefecture Miyazaki, designed a program that extended beyond mere football training. Recognizing the appeal of Mainz 05 in the Japanese context, the program included the involvement of players from the club, elevating its attractiveness to the local population.

The centerpiece of the program was a series of football camps that offered young Japanese football enthusiasts the opportunity to interact with German football professionals and experience the sport in a new light. The involvement of the Mainz 05 players created a tangible connection between the local participants and the world of German football.

In addition to football training, the program featured numerous activities designed to facilitate cross-cultural understanding. Language lessons were provided, helping the participants learn basic German to enable meaningful conversations with the German delegation that was set to visit for the Olympics.

The Impact

The initiative had a profound impact on both the Japanese participants and Mainz 05. For the Japanese community, it offered an invaluable chance to experience the German spirit and language firsthand. The interactive activities and language lessons facilitated not only cultural awareness but also personal connections with the German culture.

For Mainz 05, the project represented an opportunity to expand its reach on the community level. It helped the German club engage with a global audience in a meaningful way. These activations allowed the club to become an integral part of a bridge-building initiative and to leave a positive mark on the Japanese community.

The Triumph

The activations were resounding successes for all parties involved. The Japanese participants were able to experience the German culture and language, preparing them to interact effectively with the German delegation during the Olympics. This helped to foster a deep appreciation of the German spirit and culture.

Mainz 05 had a unique opportunity to extend its community engagement beyond borders. By taking part in this bridge-building initiative, the club gained local recognition in Japan and became more than just a football club; it became a symbol of cultural exchange and friendship.

This case study underscores the power of using football as a medium to facilitate cultural understanding, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of participants from both sides of the globe.