In American football, no team wins solely through individual strong plays. What matters most are strategy, teamwork and the ability to combine different strengths to achieve shared success. It is precisely this idea that underpins the new partnership between OTH Regensburg and the Bundesliga football club Regensburg Phoenix. In future, the club and the university will collaborate in the areas of research, communication, events and networking. Students will have the opportunity to carry out projects, studies and Bachelor’s and Master’s theses in partnership with the club. Potential topics range from sports management and sponsorship, through marketing and communication, to issues relating to the development of young talent and organisational development in elite sport.
The partnership builds on OTH Regensburg’s regular exchanges with its sports partners. Just a few days before the contract was signed, representatives from leading regional clubs gathered at the university to discuss current challenges facing the sports industry. The focus was on issues such as a shortage of sports facilities, financial conditions and the recruitment of qualified coaches. It became clear just how important a contribution the link between academia and sport can make to the long-term viability of clubs.
A lively exchange between the university and the clubs
“Sports clubs today face complex challenges that go far beyond the actual running of matches,” says Prof. Dr Thomas Groll from the Faculty of Business and Management, who oversees OTH Regensburg’s sports partnerships. “Here, our students can provide valuable input with their specialist knowledge whilst gaining important practical experience. Through this collaboration, both sides benefit directly from one another.”
In future, OTH Regensburg will act as the “Official Cooperation Partner of Regensburg Phoenix”. Conversely, the club will become part of the university’s growing sports network as the “Official University Partner of OTH Regensburg”. Plans include joint communication initiatives, research projects, events and even closer links between students, academia and the club’s practical operations.
The partnership also opens up new prospects for the club’s athletes and volunteers. They will gain access to information about degree programmes, further education opportunities and academic development options at OTH Regensburg. At the same time, issues relevant to the club can be addressed through academic support within the framework of projects and final-year dissertations.
“A real win-win for both sides”
“As a club, we thrive on commitment, team spirit and continuous development,” says Markus Guggenberger, sporting director and head of sponsorship and marketing at Regensburg Phoenix. “The collaboration with OTH Regensburg opens up new opportunities for us to tackle current challenges whilst also giving young people exciting insights into the sport of American football. The combination of practical experience and academic research is a real win-win for both sides.”
Prof. Dr Ralph Schneider, President of OTH Regensburg, also sees great potential in the partnership: “Competitive sport instils skills such as discipline, perseverance, a sense of responsibility and teamwork. These qualities are also of great importance in academic studies and professional life. With Regensburg Phoenix, we are gaining a committed partner with whom we can provide fresh impetus at the interface between education, research and elite sport in the region.”
With this new collaboration, OTH Regensburg is further expanding its network in the field of sport. Alongside partners such as the Regensburg Eisbären, SSV Jahn Regensburg, the Regensburg Legionäre, NawaRo Straubing and ESV 1927 Regensburg, Regensburg Phoenix now also ranks among the clubs working alongside the university at the intersection of academia and competitive sport. Together, the university and the club aim to launch their first projects in the coming months and gradually deepen their collaboration. The agreement marks the kick-off for numerous joint initiatives. The real touchdown will be achieved through projects that sustainably combine science, academic study and elite sport.
