20 Years of the Lebenshilfe Cup – Football Without Borders in Stemwede

Stemwede – Sport connects people, regardless of their individual circumstances.
Still, it’s rare to see athletes with and without disabilities standing together on the same platform, even though they share the same passion. In Stemwede, however, this combination has been a given for two decades. This year marks the 20th time the TuS Stemwede International U19 Football Tournament and the International Lebenshilfe Cup for people with disabilities will take place hand in hand.

“A true success story that couldn’t have been showcased better than here in Stemwede,” says Wolfgang Rosengarten from the TuS Stemwede tournament team – one of the people who came up with the then-unusual idea for a joint tournament 20 years ago. TuS Stemwede, with its sports grounds and tournament weekend in Wehdem, and Lebenshilfe Lübbecke, with their nearby residential facilities in Buschgarten, wanted to break new ground together. And they stuck with it – and wrote history. “This collaboration hasn’t just strengthened the idea of inclusion in Stemwede and the surrounding region,” says Julia Vullriede from Lebenshilfe Lübbecke, who has been involved in the tournament for many years and coordinates and organizes the Lebenshilfe Cup. “The idea of inclusion has spread worldwide over the past two decades. It has opened eyes, changed perspectives, reduced fear of contact, and fostered togetherness.”

The Teams in 2025: Inclusive teams from two countries competing

To mark the anniversary of the inclusive tournament, six teams from Germany and the Netherlands will compete this year. Defending champion and regular guest V.V. Rigtersbleek from Enschede aims to hold onto the trophy. Joining for the first time: Dutch club S.V. ’t Harde. Representing Germany are, among others, the inclusive team from Hannover 96, Lebenshilfe Schaumburg-Weserland, and Lebenshilfe Lübbecke – the latter as host and local favorite.

“For our players, this weekend is the highlight of the year,” says Julia Vullriede, tournament organizer. “Many friendships have developed here over the years, and the tournament gives all participants unforgettable moments.”

A special draw for a special tournament

An emotional highlight already took place ahead of the tournament weekend during the group stage draw for the “Volksbank PLUS Cup 2025” and the match schedule for the Lebenshilfe Cup. This year, the draw was conducted by Kai Windhorst from Lebenshilfe. Kai has been a dedicated helper at the Lebenshilfe Cup for many years. He knows the players, cheers from the sidelines, and ensures everything runs smoothly. This year marked the first time he got to draw the match pairings – a moving moment for him and everyone present.

He was supported by two representatives from the tournament team as well as Lebenshilfe Lübbecke. The scene powerfully demonstrated how much heart and community spirit this tournament embodies. The action continues on the fourth weekend of May. The preliminary round of the International Lebenshilfe Cup kicks off on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the TuS Stemwede sports grounds in Wehdem. The remaining preliminary matches, placement games, and finals will follow on Saturday and Sunday.