CUP INTERNATIONAL WÜRZBURG 2025 – Futsal, Diversity, and Community in Würzburg
Sun, Atmosphere, Sporting Spirit: On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the fourth edition of the “CUP INTERNATIONAL Würzburg” took place, traditionally kicking off this year’s Global Würzburg (GLOW) event series. Organized by the Initiative Africa Würzburg e.V. (IAW e.V.) and supported by the Foreigners’ and Integration Advisory Council of the City of Würzburg (AIW), the sports hall of the Wolfskeel Realschule once again transformed into a venue for athletic competition, cultural exchange, and celebrated diversity.
The organizers had already been busy preparing the day before, ensuring that everything essential was ready by Saturday morning. The first teams arrived punctually at 8 a.m., but two teams had to withdraw at short notice due to incomplete rosters, leaving a total of eight teams in the tournament. This did not dampen the atmosphere—in fact, quite the opposite: the hall quickly filled with players, fans, and families eagerly awaiting the kickoff.
Official Kickoff and Opening Match
The day began with a ceremonial welcome from AIW representative Shekho Said and from the event’s organizing committee member Alain Makamfa Take, who emphasized the inclusive nature of the tournament. This was followed by the kickoff of the opening match between the defending champions, Futsal Nassr, and the IAW team—a thrilling start that immediately set the tone and energy for the tournament. This year, too, athletes and spectators were able to follow the tournament digitally at https://www.tournify.de/live/ciw25.
Meanwhile, starting at 8 a.m., BARMER Health Insurance, the official health partner of CUP INTERNATIONAL WÜRZBURG 2025, was actively on site with a raffle, inviting guests to participate and engage between the matches.
The tournament was marked by passionate matches, thrilling duels, and outstanding team performances. Every goal and successful play was celebrated by the spectators.
Just before midday, the culinary highlight kicked off: African specialties, freshly and warmly prepared, which, along with drinks and snacks, underscored the international flair of the event.
The youngest guests were also well taken care of: childcare with face painting and games ensured that families felt welcome and that the atmosphere remained relaxed.
Integration and Fair Play at the Forefront
As in previous years, not only sporting success but also togetherness was at the forefront. The organizers emphasized the importance of fair play and respect—values that are just as crucial on the field as they are in the everyday life of Würzburg’s diverse community. In addition, the MainPost published an interesting article on the Cup International, as well as on the topics of sport and integration.
At the end of the day, the BARMER team awarded vouchers and gifts to the five fastest goal scorers as part of their raffle. Afterwards, the best teams were honored with trophies and medals. The awards were presented by special guests, including Deputy Director of the Würzburg Police Department, Mr. Jens Wiesinger; Steffen Volk from BARMER; former AIW office manager and GLOW event series initiator Eva-Maria Barkling-Schwander; and AIW board representative Serpil Guclu Adolph. In addition, both the top scorer and the fairest team received a special award—a tradition that highlights that at CUP INTERNATIONAL WÜRZBURG, more matters than just victories.
Thanks and Outlook
IAW e.V. sincerely thanks everyone involved: the referees, the Johanniter medical team, the supporters, and of course the partners—especially BARMER Health Insurance and the sponsors Sparkasse Mainfranken Würzburg and Distelhäuser Brewery—whose commitment made this celebration of diversity possible.
Thus, the CUP INTERNATIONAL WÜRZBURG 2025 concluded to much applause, proud winners, and the certainty that once again, sport had built bridges. On this day, Würzburg not only witnessed high-level futsal but also sent a strong message of unity and integration.
Additional photos can be found here in the gallery.
