Sport meets science – and both sides benefit: With the signing of a cooperation agreement initially running until the end of 2027, the Guggenberger Legionäre and OTH Regensburg are moving closer together. The club and the university want to work together systematically in the future – in research, communication, teaching and networking. The aim is to strengthen the links between science and top-level sport, promote research projects and open up new fields of practice for students.
OTH Regensburg, one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria with around 11,000 students, stands for practice-oriented research and close links to industry. Top-level sport is also part of this network. The Legionäre, Germany's largest baseball organisation with over 1,000 members, are opening up their structures to scientific projects and student insights.
Specifically, the agreement provides for joint research and study projects in the field of professional and junior sports. Bachelor's and Master's theses can be written in consultation with the club in future – on topics such as training management, organisational development or sports marketing. The Legionäre will provide access to athletes, data and their sporting environment for this purpose.
Projects and events
When the contract was signed by OTH President Prof. Dr. Ralph Schneider and Legionäre CEO Armin Zimmermann, the first ideas for joint projects and events were already exchanged. An initial joint meeting is scheduled for November. For Armin Zimmermann, OTH Regensburg is the perfect partner for the Legionäre. Zimmermann is certain that both sides will benefit from a cooperation like this. The OTH President agrees. Especially in the field of top-level and professional sports, there are a lot of starting points for scientific work in practice.
The partnership will also be visible in terms of communication: OTH will be allowed to use the title ‘Official University Partner of the Guggenberger Legionäre’, while the club will be able to act as ‘Official Cooperation Partner of OTH’. Both institutions will also link their online channels and plan joint content.
Partnership support
The cooperation will also be tangible for students. For example, they will have easier access to Legionäre events and can find out about working student positions within the club. Conversely, the Legionäre will provide information about further education opportunities at OTH Regensburg, such as degree programmes or part-time programmes for athletes. In addition, close networking between the partners is planned, with regular coordination meetings to structure the cooperation.
For the Regensburg region, this collaboration is more than just a symbolic gesture: it represents the growing connection between academic research and performance-oriented sport – and a network that opens up new perspectives for students, athletes and partner companies alike.
