Fit für Kids” Card in Berlin: Free Football and Taekwondo Classes

“Fit für Kids” Card in Berlin: Free Football and Taekwondo Classes for Children

In Berlin, access to sport is not seen as a privilege, but as a right for every child, regardless of a family’s financial situation. That is why the “Fit für Kids” initiative was launched. It enables children to take part in regular sports activities through free courses in popular disciplines such as football (soccer) and taekwondo. The program is aimed especially at low-income families and offers a real opportunity to support children’s physical and social development.

What is the “Fit für Kids” card?

It is a sports support program funded by the city of Berlin in cooperation with selected sports clubs. It aims to allow children to:

• join regular sports sessions free of charge

• without paying club memberships or training fees

• under the supervision of qualified coaches

Classes are usually organized as licensed group programs and take place in local halls or training grounds run by partner clubs.

Who can receive the card?

The card is intended for children:

• aged 4 to 12

• living in Berlin

• from families receiving social benefits, such as:

  • Bürgergeld (formerly Hartz IV)

  • Wohngeld (housing benefit)

  • Kinderzuschlag (child supplement)

  • or other forms of government support

The child does not need to be registered with a sports club in advance.

Which sports are included?

The most common sports within the “Fit für Kids” program include:

• Football (soccer): skills training, practice matches, teamwork techniques

• Taekwondo: discipline, fitness, and self-defense fundamentals

• Depending on the neighborhood, other options may also be available, such as gymnastics, dance, and in some areas tennis

All sessions are led by qualified coaches within local sports clubs.

Where do the classes take place and how do you register?

Locations:

Sessions are offered across different districts of Berlin, such as:

• Neukölln

• Wedding

• Kreuzberg

• Marzahn

They take place in partner clubs, schools, or cooperating community centers.

Registration:

Registration is handled via supervising organizations such as:

• GSJ – Gesellschaft für Sport und Jugendsozialarbeit

• or directly through participating clubs

Typically, registration only requires:

• proof of residence in Berlin

• proof of receiving social benefits (official notice / Bescheid)

What are the benefits for children?

• Effective social inclusion for children from migrant backgrounds or families in need

• Improved health and fitness at an early age

• Stronger self-confidence and discipline

• New friendships in a safe, supportive environment

• Removing financial barriers to extracurricular activities

Does the initiative run long-term?

The initiative is currently funded on a yearly basis and may be renewed depending on the city budget and the participation of clubs. Children are often offered courses lasting 3 to 6 months, with the possibility of renewal.

Summary

The “Fit für Kids” card is a living example of how cities can support children and make sport accessible without financial burden. In Berlin, every child—regardless of household income—can play football, learn taekwondo, or join sports activities thanks to this initiative. If you live in Berlin and have a child aged 4 to 12, don’t hesitate to take advantage of this free opportunity to support their healthy, psychological, and social development.

Editorial note
The site’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and consulting multiple sources. However, some errors may occur or certain details may be unconfirmed. Please consider the information in these articles as initial guidance and always consult the relevant official authorities for confirmed details.