The main task of the Hertha BSC Foundation is to provide sustainable support to the Blue-Whites’ youngsters in the academy. The foundation has committed itself to the goal of scouting and developing young football talent, especially within Berlin and Brandenburg, and to ensure that the passion for street football endures. All donations go towards this end. The club’s own football academy plays an integral role in our ambitions and is housed on the club’s grounds near the Olympiastadion. There is capacity for up to 18 budding young players to get ready for a career in the Bundesliga.
The Hertha Foundation also supports youth players with the development of their character. Educational trips, such as a visit to Auschwitz, can help youngsters to reflect on the past and to learn for the future. Personal development has always been a core principle of education at Hertha due to the influence it has on how our players interact with society.
With the development of our academy, the Hertha BSC Foundation is sending a clear signal and investing in a 'strong future' for the club. "We are making a conscious investment in youth. The young players should be a strong pillar of the club,” says Bernd Schiphorst, chairman of the foundation, underlining the end goal. Young players from Berlin can take advantage of professional preparation for a later career in senior football. With that goal in mind, the foundation is always on the look-out for help from friends and supporters of the club.
The foundation’s advisory board consists of some prominent figures who have already committed to the project: TV presenter Sabine Christiansen, Lala Süßkind of the Jewish Educational Body, bishop and professor Wolfgang Huber, former minister of the interior Otto Schily, professor of history Daniel Koerfer and head banker Prof. Dr. Thomas A. Lange. The Hertha Foundation’s board (Bernd Schiphorst, vice president Thorsten Manske, Michael Preetz and Paul Keuter) can make use of the foundation’s funds, a six-figure yearly sum. Various other well-known Hertha fans such as Bundestag vice president Wolfgang Thierse, TV star Christian Ulmen, former players Erich 'Ete' Beer and Andreas Schmidt have lent their support as well. With their help, the foundation can call on support from a broad range of club members.
