Come-Together Cup in Cologne: Football connects diversity and community

Come-Together Cup in Cologne: Football connects diversity and community

Köln, Deutschland - The stadium vowing of the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne on June 10, 2025 were again the scene of a colorful festival of diversity and sport. At the 31st Come-Together Cup (CTC) there were around 96 teams that not only kicked for victory, but also to celebrate community and tolerance. A total of up to 30,000 visitors made a pilgrimage to this unique event, which has long since established itself as one of the largest one -day leisure football tournaments in Europe. The Evangelical Church Cologne was on site with its own team and joined the colorful crowd.

The community idea was clearly the focus, and Marco Beumers, as a sports and equality officer of the Evangelical Church Association Cologne and region, emphasized the value of the acceptance of diversity. "It is important that we come together here and live our need for community," said Beumers. Despite mixed weather conditions that were cool and dry, the atmosphere was warm and happy through and through. The demanding group draw in particular could not cloud the positive spirits.

variety and respectful cooperation

The Come-Together Cup was originally launched in 1995 by Andreas Steene, a gay ex-criminal commissioner and former football player. His concern was to bring people from a wide variety of origin, skin color, sexual orientation, faith and physical impairment together. In the meantime, Stiene became an indispensable part of this festival, which should not only promote sporting competition, but also to promote discussion and celebrations. Interested parties can learn more about the event on the official website: Come together cup .

Thanks to numerous hands -on activities on the "Boulevard der Diversity" and information stands, the day was not only an experience for the teams, but also for the spectators. The aim of the event is to promote tolerance, equality and respectful coexistence. "We are pleased that the Come-Together Cup brings so many people together to kick and celebrate together," added Beumers and thanked all helpers and supporters.

sporting highlights and a hat trick

Marco Beumers himself, who achieved a hat trick at the celebrity cup, caused a cheers in the audience at the celebrity cup. This was reflected in the positive attitude of the EKV team, which, despite technically strong and young opponents, always put the fun and fair cooperation in the foreground.

The Come-Together Cup has not only established itself as a sporting competition, but also supports local non-profit and social institutions. "Sport is a wonderful way to build bridges," emphasized Beumers and already took a look at the next participation of the Evangelical Church Association at the CTC. You can find more information here .