SSV Jahn Regensburg Expands Community Outreach to Senior Citizens
Table of Contents
SSV Jahn Regensburg, a football club deeply rooted in its community, is broadening its “Jahn Social: Bridges for Regensburg” initiative to include senior citizens. This expansion marks the fourth target group for the program,joining children,people with disabilities,and the socially disadvantaged.The initiative, largely supported by Telis Finanz AG, aims to connect with and support various segments of the Regensburg community through football-related activities.
Reminiscing Through Football: The “Jahn Zeitreise” and “jahn Souvenir Case”
One of the key projects under this new focus is the “Jahn Zeitreise” (Jahn Time Travel), a guided tour through the Jahnstadion Regensburg led by Jahn archivist Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Otto. recently, a group of senior citizens from the senior citizen’s office were taken through the stadium’s hidden corners, viewing past images and sharing memories, such as discussing Gerhard Faltermeier’s memorable free kick goal from 1971. This initiative provides a unique chance for older fans to reminisce and connect with the club’s rich history.
Complementing the stadium tour is the “Jahn Souvenir Case,” developed in collaboration with students from the OTH and the Alzheimer Society Oberpfalz EV. This case contains items designed to evoke memories and spark conversations among elderly fans, particularly those living with dementia.Contents include vintage fan scarves, jerseys, photographs of both the old and new Jahnstadion, photocopies of player passes, an old stadium newspaper, football-themed memory tasks, and the lyrics to the club’s anthem, “We love the SSV Jahn…” composed in 1983.
There are very ‘die -hard’ Jahnfans in the retirement homes that – like me – still remember outstanding game days.Markant scenes remain in the long -term memory and that is the nice thing about the common memory: the revival of emotional moments when it comes to football.
Quote from an unnamed Jahn fan
The goal of the “Jahn souvenir Case” is to combat feelings of isolation and reconnect individuals with cherished memories. As one fan noted, Markant scenes remain in the long -term memory and that is the nice thing about the common memory: the revival of emotional moments when it comes to football.
According to project organizers, football can be a powerful tool for engaging individuals with dementia, providing a sense of connection and belonging.
Looking Ahead: The Inaugural “Jahn Senior Game Day”
Building on the success of the “Jahn Zeitreise” and the “jahn Souvenir case,” SSV Jahn Regensburg is planning a “Jahn Senior Game Day” in the autumn of this year.This event will be specifically tailored to the older generation,offering activities and experiences designed to promote engagement and enjoyment. The details of the game day are still being finalized, but organizers promise a memorable experience for all participants.
The Broader Impact of Community Engagement
SSV Jahn Regensburg’s commitment to community engagement reflects a growing trend among sports clubs worldwide. Studies have shown that such initiatives can have a notable positive impact on the well-being of individuals and the overall health of the community. Such as, a 2024 report by the European Union found that sports-based social programs can improve social inclusion, reduce social isolation, and promote physical and mental health.
By expanding its “Bridges for Regensburg” initiative to include senior citizens, SSV Jahn Regensburg is not only honoring its past but also investing in the future of its community. The club’s dedication to using football as a vehicle for social good serves as an example for other organizations to follow.