USC Münster and the University of Münster jointly strengthen Münster as a hub for sports and science – for a sustainable future
Münster, October 2025. USC Münster and the University of Münster entered into a strategic partnership a few weeks ago to strategically expand the connection between elite sports, science, and social responsibility in Münster.
The partnership aims not only to stimulate research, teaching, and the development of young talent, but also to rethink sustainability in competitive sports – both on and off the field.
In this context, the university has already entered into several agreements, including with the Münster Boxing Center, Preussen Münster, the Westphalia Football and Athletics Association, and now also with USC Münster. The cooperation encompasses the first division of the German Volleyball League (1. Bundesliga), but also explicitly includes its youth development program. The proximity to the university opens up new perspectives for elite athletes in Münster, which will also have a lasting impact on the local economy. In the future, studies, research, or professional development can be more easily combined with a career in sports. This allows talented individuals to stay in Münster long-term, combine their sporting and personal development, and shape a sustainable future in and after sports.
“We want more than short-term sporting successes,” emphasizes Cornelia Hesse, Vice President of USC Münster. “This cooperation creates structures that open up perspectives for our players beyond sports – professionally, academically, and personally. For us, sustainability also means commitment, development, and responsibility. We are grateful that Professor Bernd Strauss, the elite sports coordinator at the University of Münster, included us in the concept.
For the University of Münster, the cooperation opens up practical avenues: Research projects with a direct connection to professional sports can be developed in the fields of sports science, health promotion, education, and psychology. At the same time, Münster's reputation as a sports city is strengthened – through encounters, knowledge transfer, and role models.
Bernd Strauss: “With USC Münster, we are gaining an important partner in the Münster sports landscape with nationwide significance. USC embodies these values and has made truly remarkable strides in its youth development program over the past two years. We would like to continue supporting them, showing these ambitious athletes new perspectives, facilitating access to the university, and helping to make a dual career combining studies and competitive sports possible.”
The cooperation includes, among other things, the improvement and expansion of joint initiatives that combine competitive sports and academic studies. Examples include scientific support for training and competitions, both for junior athletes in general and for adults. It also promotes the dual careers of elite athletes, including through programs offered by the partner university for elite sports and potentially other local institutions. If opportunities are identified, joint applications will be submitted to secure further funding and to further develop the cooperation in a sports- and science-oriented manner. Exchange formats between students, faculty, and the club will also be established.
With this collaboration, USC Münster and the University of Münster are setting an example for sustainable development in sports – with a clear focus on humanity, education, and future viability.