New chairman of the FLVW district: Röschenkemper fights against violence!

New chairman of the FLVW district: Röschenkemper fights against violence!

Willy Westphal made the chair of the football and athletics district of Ahaus/Coesfeld on April 8, 2025 after over eleven years. The 61-year-old did not stand for re-election, although he was asked to continue his job several times. His tenure began when he took over Bernd Rengshausen in 2013, and during this time he initiated profound changes, in particular a planned structural reform and the realignment of youth football through children's festivals. Under his leadership, however, an increase in violence on football spots was also recorded, which in his assessment is one of the greatest challenges in sports. In the past few years, the number of cases in sports courts has increased so much that they could probably be three digits for the first time in the current season.

At the general meeting, Ingo Röschenkemper was elected as the new chairman by Westfalia Osterwick. The choice was clear with just one vote against and two abstentions. Röschenkemper is not only the first athlete that leads a football and athletics circle in the Westphalian Association, but also emphasizes the need for a fair coexistence. The increasing problem of violence on sports fields is particularly important to him, which is also considered a central topic for the coming years. During the meeting, Willy Westphal was unanimously appointed honorary chairman, which recognizes his lasting influence in the association.

badges of honor and new positions

As part of the meeting, several members were awarded for their services. Paulo Goncalves handed over the chair of the district referee committee to Tarik Gündogdu and received the FLVW badge of honor in silver and membership in the district sports court. Günter Boll was honored with the FLVW Merryadel in Gold for his many years of association work. Markus Lobreyer also defended his place as chairman of the district football committee and received the FLVW badge of honor in silver. A posthumous award was also held between these honors: Franz-Josef Rupprecht von Fortuna Gronau was honored with the DFB Merver needle.

The meeting illustrated the active role of members in the football group, and other personalities such as Christel Behmenburg and the members of the district sports court were mentioned, which emphasizes the committed community in the sports group. Röschenkemper emphasizes that the issue of violence in sport has to become more important in and next to the places, which was emphasized as a central point in its future agenda.

a value for the sport

in parallel for discussion about the challenges in sport, the founding of the Safe Sport e.V. association has played an important role by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and 16 federal states. This association was launched to promote non -violent sport and represents athletes, scientists and representatives of those affected. An independent response for psychotherapeutic and legal initial consultation for those affected by violence in sports is to be set up. In this context, Maximilian Klein from athletes emphasized Germany how important it is to provide an independent range of advice for everyone in sports. Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser describes the foundation as a decisive step for a safe, non -violent sport.

These developments, both at the local level in the Ahaus/Coesfeld soccer group and at the national level with the founding of Safe Sport, show that in sports there is a growing awareness of the challenges and solutions in terms of violence. The dialogue and actions of these institutions could be crucial for creating a space in which athletes feel safe and their passion for sport without fear.