To mark the 20th anniversary of Prof. Dr. Nils Neuber’s service at the University of Münster, a conference on physical education teacher education was held at the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences (IfS) in early October. The Department of Education and Teaching in Sport presented its approach to experiential learning for discussion. Around 20 sport pedagogy scholars from Germany and Switzerland attended and engaged in intensive discussions about the concept over two days. The outcomes are to be documented in a volume of the Bildung und Sport book series.

At the invitation of the Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Education, Prof. Dr. Nils Neuber delivered a keynote lecture atthe Day of School Sports entitled “Education Needs Movement – How to Make Learning at School More Engaging!”. Inhis lecture, he demonstrated how the interplay between education and physical activity can promote cognitive learning,health, democratic competencies, and enjoyment of school. Ultimately, this approach can help make schools moreenjoyable and dynamic places for all children and young people.

Germany will soon decide which bid to put forward for the Olympic Games. Prof. Dr. Nils Neuber (University of Münster) talks to Dein Münster about his vision for the Olympic Games in Rhine-Ruhr, with a particular focus on children and youth sport.

“The City of Münster and our state have shown themselves at their very best,” said Minister-President Hendrik Wüst, reflecting on last weekend’s NRW Day. The Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences (IfS) also took part, presenting a stand at the Sportmeile. From Friday to Sunday, the institute’s research units and Student Council offered a wide range of insights into their fields of research and teaching under the motto “Democracy and Diversity at the Intersection of Research and Practice”. “A great joint effort by the institute, the Student Council and the sport students,” said Nils Neuber and Nils Kaufmann at the end of the successful event.

The German Association of Physical Education Teachers in North Rhine-Westphalia (DSLV NRW) has launched a campaign to strengthen school sport by raising public awareness of the topic and giving a platform to voices advocating for school sport. The idea is simple: a portrait photo and a short statement in support of school sport are published on the campaign website and on social media. Together, these contributions demonstrate the broad support behind this important cause.

Katharina Ludwig has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation entitled “Physical Activity in the Classroom – An Empirical Study on the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Classroom Activity Breaks on the Executive Functions of Secondary School Students.” The examination committee consisted of Prof. Dr. Nils Neuber, Prof. Dr. Michael Pfitzner (University of Duisburg-Essen), and Prof. Dr. Dennis Dreiskämper (TU Dortmund University). The dissertation makes an important contribution to the Learning and Movement at School research network.

At the beginning of July, the University of Münster hosted its first interfaith and democratic football event at the Preußen Stadium. Rather than focusing on goals and competition, the event emphasised dialogue, fair play and mutual respect. The tournament was organised by the Faculty of Islamic Theology, the Faculty of Catholic Theology and the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Following its successful debut, the event is planned to return next year.

At the closing event of the Days of Teacher Education at Münster Castle, students of physical education pedagogy and didactics presented the teaching materials they had developed on the theme “Strengthening Democracy – Shaping Education.” Through podcasts, posters, and practical teaching resources, they demonstrated the diverse role of democracy education in the context of physical activity, play, and sport.

As part of the Bundesliga bewegt Club Calls organised by the Bundesliga Foundation (formerly the DFL Foundation), Prof. Dr. Nils Neuber gave a presentation on democratic core competencies in children’s physical play. Under the title “Children in Charge!?”, he highlighted the unique potential of sport for democracy education and presented empirical findings on both guided and unguided physical activities, demonstrating how democratic participation can be fostered through children’s movement and play. He also shared key insights from the Münster Democracy Festival 2025.

The Willibald Gebhardt Institute hosted the international CEREPS Summit at the Franz Hitze House in Münster. More than 60 researchers, practitioners and representatives from politics and sport discussed current developments in youth sport in schools and sports clubs, including topics such as physical activity promotion, inclusion and all-day education. The Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Münster contributed to the planning and organisation of the international conference through its Physical Education and Teaching Research unit.