Since school-organized sports teams are the exception rather than the rule in Hamburg, most
children participate in neighborhood sports clubs from a very early age. To find a sports
club (Sport Verein) near you, check the yellow pages, ask other mothers from your
Kindergarten or school, or look in the local newspaper (Wochenblatt). I
asked some mothers from various parts of Hamburg to let me know what sports their children
do and where, and Tracy M, Virginia D, Susan S-W and Cynthia H contributed information for
this article.
Here are some tips to keep in mind before joining
a club. All activities are in German. Almost all activities do not meet during the Hamburg
school vacations (but you still have to pay your dues during these times). Many clubs have
quarterly prices, but they vary according to how many family members join, how many activities
you want to participate in and many other factors. Be sure to get a membership price list
to compare with other facilities. Most of the time, you can only cancel your membership on
a quarterly basis. Most clubs allow your child two to three trial lessons before officially
having to become a member. Be sure to take advantage of this offer to be certain your child
really wants to participate. You might have to visit a number of different lessons before
you find the teacher and group that is right for your child. For example, my son visited five
different gym classes before we found a teacher we liked.
Northeast
TSV Sasel von 1925 e.V., Sasel
Tel 601 16 17
My children are members of this club. They offer a wide mix of activities for adults and children.
My son participates in the gym class for 3-4 year olds, and my daughter takes ballet lessons.
Dues are EUR 10 per month per child, with discounts for 2nd and 3rd siblings.
Schwimmschule Delfin, Poppenbüttel
Tel 64 5392 60
My son will take lessons here this fall. The pool is small, clean and heated to 38 degrees.
The course runs for 7 weeks, 3 days a week for 45 minutes per lesson. Unlike classes in big
swimming pools, these courses are closed (meaning you have to register well ahead of time
and the same children attend the class each week). In addition to the traditional Seepferdchen
offered at age 5, they also offer lessons for younger children.
Reitschule Walddörfer, Volksdorf
Tel 603 65 72
Virginia’s daughter takes classes here. Lessons are for 50 minutes once a week. You
get a trial lesson in the beginning so the teacher can assess your child’s ability.
Afterwards, you can buy a discount card for 10 lessons costing EUR 110. You have to be 7 years
old to participate. Each student must care for his or her horse after riding; this includes
brushing down, cleaning hooves and feeding (they will be taught how to do all of this). You
have to take two exams: Kleines Hufeisen Reiten and Grosses Hufeisen Reiten.
Northwest
Ellerbeker Sport Verein
They offer a variety of sporting activities, including swimming, for adults and children.
Tracy’s daughter participates in the swim club and her husband plays volleyball. Quarterly
dues are EUR 42.
Rugenberger Sport Verein
They offer a variety of sporting activities for adults and children. Tracy’s daughters
participate in gym-nastics, dance lessons and soccer. Quarterly dues are EUR 42.
Southwest
Groß Flottbeker Spielvereinigung
von 1912 (GESV)
Tel 890 27 11
Susan’s son participates in soccer. You have to be 5 years old to start. Boys and girls
play together until about age 9. Teams are formed based on age (year of birth), not on ability.
The field is outside, but in winter they play inside at a nearby school. Quarterly dues are
EUR 30. You need to buy shin pads, special socks and cleats, plus pay a one-time fee of EUR
50 for uniform rental. They practice twice a week for 90 minutes and play one game on weekends.
VEJAS, Rellingen
Tel (04101) 33 590
Susan’s sons participate in judo. You have to be age 6 to start. Lessons are once a
week for 60 minutes. You need a white suit and belt. Boys and girls are mixed, and groups
are formed according to ability. Quarterly dues are EUR 51, or EUR 17 per month.
Familienbildung Wedel e.V.
Tel (04103) 14 676
Cynthia and her daughter participate in baby swimming classes. Groups are small and regular,
and you must register well in advance. Some lessons run for 8 weeks with 30 minutes per lesson
and cost EUR 52.50. They have other classes for mothers and babies, small children and family
sporting activities.
Altonaer Turnverband von 1845 e.V.
Tel 38 30 16
Cynthia and her daughter participate in a gymnastics class for babies and parents. Classes
last 60 minutes. Quarterly dues are EUR 24 for children under 18. Discounts are offered for
adult/children combination memberships plus many other combinations.
