About Us

Our Journey: From Vision to Non-Profit

Spontaneous ideas often lead to great projects. And Be Strong For Kids (BSFK) has long been more than that for us; it’s a true passion project and a lifelong commitment. It all started in 2016 with a private fundraising initiative: Jörn Schulz, a teacher from Essen with a passion for his work, and now the chairman of BSFK, launched an initiative to benefit children with cancer. He wanted to kickstart the effort with a sporting charity event. The “Ruhr Tour 2017” event raised an incredible €13,000 and made it abundantly clear to us: We have to continue with BSFK!

This was followed by the initiative being awarded the Essen Solidarity Prize in 2018, the founding of the non-profit association “Be Strong For Kids e.V.” in March 2019, and its recognition as a provider of independent youth services in accordance with Section 75 of the German Social Code, Book VIII, by the Youth Welfare Committee of the City of Essen in March 2025.
Since then, a steadily growing circle of paid staff and volunteers, friends, acquaintances and supporters from all over the place have been involved in our project.
Coaching school project

Club presentation (PDF/26.1 MB)

Protection concept (PDF/2.7 MB)

Coaching school project

Support for children and young people in the Ruhr region facing barriers to participation

What began in 2016 with a simple desire to help has grown into a commitment that is now stronger and more impactful than ever. Since our founding, we have raised nearly €1,000,000 through campaigns and fundraising efforts in support of children and young people in the Ruhr region facing barriers to participation. This money goes directly into our own projects or into movement-promoting initiatives of our partner organizations. That means your donation goes exactly where it is needed most: to the children.

And what about the future? We want to secure our existing programs for the long term, expand them further, and add new sports and cultural activities. For this, we need your help and support. Together, we can achieve so much more for children and young people in the Ruhr region.

Please donate now!

Who we are

The Board

Jörn Schulz

PE and Spanish Teacher
Founder & Chairman
Marketing & Organization

The work on behalf of the affected children, the open exchange with the younger generations within our school project, the fantastic collaboration with a highly motivated team and interested partners inspire me anew every day. BSFK possesses an energy that cannot be put into words. You simply have to experience it. I am very grateful and incredibly proud to be part of this organization. “Be Strong For Kids Together” is not just a slogan; it reflects our guiding principle, our DNA. I am convinced that together we can make the world a better place. We just have to start!

Markus Conrad

Lawyer
Chairman
Marketing & Organization

It’s always fascinating to witness how so many different people from diverse backgrounds contribute to Be Strong For Kids in so many different ways. Each brings their own unique skills, and all are deeply committed to helping children who desperately need our support. They pour their hearts into bringing these children happy moments and giving them experiences and opportunities that wouldn’t be possible without BSFK. I’m so happy to be a part of this project.

Dr. Katrin Wand

Specialist in pediatrics and adolescent medicine
Fundraising & Organization

I find it wonderful that BSFK allows me to achieve my personal and professional goals. All children have the right to grow up healthy and happy! Exercise and sport are essential for this! As a mother, pediatrician, former competitive athlete, and BSFK member, I try to do my bit every day to help children and young people thrive!

Marcus Batz

 Architect
Treasurer & Organizer

I’m passionate about helping organize our events and always feel a little proud when I see the happy, smiling faces of the children. And of course, I also participate myself every year at the Nürburgring as an athlete and captain of our 24-hour cycling team. In this way, my team and I try to support the club through additional donations. Because that’s the only way we can continue to finance our fantastic programs.

Projects, Courses and Events

Team & Contacts

  • Laura Steinkopf

    Children’s and Youth Coach
    Orga BSFK Goes School

  • Laura Paul

    System coach
    Orga BSFK Goes School

  • Lars Winkler

    basketball
    BSFK Goes School

  • Annika Hejma

    Social Media
    Orga BSFK Goes School

  • Nikola Maraun

    Social Media
    Orga BSFK Goes School

  • Laura Walde Robens

    Events
    Orga BSFK Goes School

  • Anja Kück

    Organization and project management
    Swimming coach (C license)

    a.kueck@bestrongforkids.de

  • Melanie Kotyrba

    sports teacher
    Swimming organization

  • Jessica Eckert

    Social Media
    Swimming assistant

  • Danilo Wierling

    Homepage
    Swimming assistant

  • Jan Ader

    Swimming coach (C license)

  • Maja Brocilo

    Swimming assistant

  • Julius Eichhorn

    Swimming assistant

  • Alexander Kiselev

    Swimming assistant

  • Bärbel Klömpken

    Sports Instructor B
    Rehabilitation + Prevention
    (C-License Competitive Sports + Recreational Swimming)

  • Cord Kölker

    Coach (C-License)

  • Jodie Lawson

    Coach (Australia)
    Swimming assistant

  • Antonia Reh

    Swimming assistant

  • Paul Schäfer

    Swimming coach (C license)
    competitive swimming

  • Artin Tayarani

    Swimming assistant

  • Clara Weddige

    Swimming assistant

  • Malte Wex

    Swimming assistant

  • Andrea Wilbert

    Coach (C-License)
    (B-License Sport in Rehabilitation)

  • Andrew Wittenbrink

    Swimming coach

  • Alma Weddige

    Swimming assistant

  • Marie Lindemann

    Swimming assistant

  • Jennifer Schwarzer

    swimming instructor

  • Annika Hejma

    Social Media
    Orga BSFK Goes School

  • Nikola Maraun

    Social Media
    Orga BSFK Goes School

  • Jessica Eckert

    Social Media
    Swimming assistant

  • Catharina von Widdern

    graphic designer
    Creative Creator

  • Leonie Lütke-Bexten

    photographer

  • Danilo Wierling

    Homepage
    Swimming assistant

  • Nils Tiemann

    Graphic design

  • Daniel Schulte

    Image / Camera

Be Strong For Kids together!

Become part of our team

We are looking for dedicated individuals with empathy and a willingness to develop professionally, with the goal of empowering and supporting children together. We offer funding for further education and training, network partnerships, active participation, and a supportive community.

Join our team, because together we can achieve great things!