First Vienna FC 1894 puts full focus on education – partner schools for Austria’s oldest football club
Children and young people are the future. That’s nothing new, but the traditional blue-and-yellow club from Vienna’s Döbling district now wants to place even more emphasis on youth. That’s why the popular cult club from the north of the capital has launched a new project that it intends to fully commit to.
“We know how important young people are. I see that as a father, but also as the managing director of a football club with more than 350 boys and girls. We also know how crucial it is for kids to do well in school, as this stage of life heavily shapes their future path. Out of respect for the younger generation – but also for teachers – we’ve started our partner school project,” says Vienna’s managing director Thomas Loy, expressing his strong motivation for the new school collaboration initiative.
Going forward, the club will be working closely with a number of carefully selected schools across different levels. “The schools we’re partnering with have been carefully chosen. It’s important that they identify with Vienna and with our values. That said, any school is welcome to join the project as long as the overall fit is right. It’s a great initiative where the kids are truly at the heart of it,” says First Vienna’s sporting director and former Austrian international Andreas Ivanschitz, who’s excited about the new project.
In addition to offering free match tickets for pupils and teachers, there will be school visits from players such as Monschein, Wasser, and CO, who will take part in PE lessons and help build a strong bridge between school and club. The once-popular “blue-and-yellow classroom” concept is making a comeback. There are also plans for tailor-made promotional campaigns with the schools, alongside other future initiatives.
School can be a rewarding but sometimes challenging time. First Vienna FC 1894 wants to offer a bit of relief from academic pressure by creating moments of joy through sport. Fun and enjoyment should take centre stage and help students "earn the right points" in school, too.
The Goethe-Gymnasium joins in blue and yellow as an official partner school of First Vienna Football Club 1894
At an initial meeting, Vienna’s sporting director Andreas Ivanschitz, head of marketing and sponsorship Constantin Orel, Goethe-Gymnasium principal Hubert Kopeszki, and PE teachers Karin Schinnerl and Gheorghe Dani came together for a productive exchange. In addition to getting to know one another, they discussed the foundations for long-term cooperation and upcoming joint activities.
Goethe-Gymnasium – a school with sporting spirit in the west of Vienna
Located in the 14th district, the Goethe-Gymnasium places high value on a well-rounded education in languages, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, the arts, physical education, media literacy, and ethical or religious values. One standout feature: students in the sports stream are required to pass a final exam in physical education to graduate. The importance of sport is clear the moment you see the school's impressive facilities – from football pitches to gyms, weight rooms, and more, it’s a dream setup for any young athlete.
United in sport and shared values
Both the school and the club are particularly pleased that several students are already pulling on the blue and yellow shirt. Oskar Weitmayr (8C) and Luca Roschütz (8C) are key players at Vienna and currently in their final year at the Goethe-Gymnasium. “We’re united not just by our passion for sport, but also by strong shared values. We’re proud to have entered into this partnership with Austria’s oldest football club,” says principal Hubert Kopeszki, clearly excited about the collaboration with the storied club.
