Our employees are as diverse as the causes they support through their volunteer work

Niklas’s journey into volunteering began with curiosity. “I used to play football myself – not particularly successfully,” he says with a smile. But he did not want to give up the sport altogether. Early on, he became interested in why referees make certain decisions. Especially during Bundesliga matches, when entire stadiums protested against a call, he would ask himself: Was it really wrong, or do we simply not understand the rule correctly?

Through his former football club, Niklas signed up for a referee training course. For eight weeks, every Saturday was dedicated to studying the rules, culminating in a final exam. Since then, Niklas has no longer stood on the sidelines – he has taken responsibility on the pitch.

One standout moment for him was the regional cup final in Torgau, played in front of more than 1,000 spectators. Niklas was appointed as an assistant referee. “That felt very different from officiating in front of 50 people,” he recalls. At the final whistle, the match even ended with a pitch invasion. “Whether positive or negative, you block a lot of things out – but the atmosphere was impressive.”

There are, however, other sides to the role. Verbal abuse at youth matches, heated arguments or even threats are unfortunately part of the experience as well. One match ended with a police response after fans banged against the referees’ changing-room door. “That was a moment when I asked myself: I’m doing this as a volunteer, investing my free time – and still being treated like this.”

For Niklas, one thing is clear: emotions belong in football; disrespect does not. “There is a very clear line for me. Once it becomes insulting or heads toward violence, that’s where it ends.” And when players or coaches are unhappy after the final whistle, he responds calmly: “I’m not here to make 22 new friends. I’m here to make sure the match can take place.”

For Niklas, a match involves far more than 90 minutes on the pitch. Travel time, preparation, officiating and post-match administration quickly add up to six or seven hours per game. With up to two matches per weekend, there is little room for free time during the season.

During the practical phases of his studies, this schedule is manageable. The theory phases are more demanding. “After nine hours at university, I often sit down again in the evening so that I can keep my weekends free for refereeing,” Niklas explains. During intensive exam periods, he deliberately reduces the number of matches. An online portal allows him to block availability and manage appointments – a level of self-organization that has become second nature to him.

What Niklas learns on the pitch clearly carries over into his professional life. As a referee, he must assess situations within seconds, make decisions and communicate them clearly – even when they are unpopular. These same skills are crucial at work: structured analysis, setting priorities and taking responsibility. “I’ve learned to stay calm, take a breath, and then proceed step by step,” Niklas says. This mindset supports him in project work, coordination with colleagues and any situation that demands quick decisions.

Teamwork also plays a central role. In the league where Niklas officiates, he typically works with two assistant referees. He coordinates the team, including travel arrangements and schedules. “In the end, we have to function as a team. I can’t see everything from the center on my own.” This experience translates directly to the workplace: clear roles, reliability and mutual trust are the foundation of successful collaboration.

This sense of responsibility – and the willingness to make decisions – defines Niklas. No referee, no game: a simple statement that captures why his commitment is far more than just a hobby.