In this STAY! Interview, we hear from Jolien, a coach and staff member in the Children and Youth Sports Department at TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With her unique combination of event organisation and hands-on coaching, Jolien played a key role in creating meaningful opportunities for young people during the STAY project — by giving them space to lead, create, and shine.
What is your role at TSV?
I work in the Children and Youth Sports Department — in the mornings I’m in the office organising big events like the Summer Festival or Kids’ Karneval, and in the afternoons I coach in the gym.
My role allows me to bring both structure and energy into the club. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how planning and practice come together to create supportive and engaging experiences for children and volunteers.
How did you involve young people in the STAY project?
At the Kids’ Carnival, our FSJ volunteers and dual students got to create their own stage performance — completely on their own.
We let them take full creative control, and it was amazing to see how seriously they took that responsibility.
What surprised you most about that experience?
Their motivation was amazing as soon as they had the freedom to be creative. They really took ownership and delivered something great.
That moment confirmed for me just how much young people are capable of when we simply trust them and give them space to grow.
What would you say to other clubs?
Dare to trust young people. When you give them responsibility, they step up with full energy and real commitment.
Letting go of control isn’t always easy, but it’s often the best way to bring out the full potential of your young team.
Why Jolien’s story matters
Jolien’s experience within the STAY project proves that empowerment doesn’t require complex systems — sometimes, it simply starts with trust. By allowing young volunteers to fully own their role in the Kids’ Carnival, she witnessed how freedom and responsibility unlock creativity, confidence, and pride.
Her approach reflects the heart of the STAY project: creating spaces where young people are not only included, but genuinely empowered to lead and grow.
