Wermelskirchen, Germany – Sven Dicke, a representative of the Judo Club (JC) Wermelskirchen, will present strategies for member acquisition during an online “regulars’ table” discussion hosted by the German Judo Association (DJB) on March 16, 2026. The event, part of the “Blick über den Mattenrand” (Look beyond the Mattenrand) series, will focus on successful campaigns implemented by the JC Wermelskirchen to foster growth through partnerships.
Dicke’s presentation will address how judo clubs can increase visibility within their communities, explore potential collaborations with schools and local institutions and establish themselves as reliable local contacts. He will share concrete examples of the Wermelskirchen club’s approach, offering insights transferable to other organizations within the DJB.
The JC Wermelskirchen’s success comes after a period of significant achievement. In 2025, the club was recognized as the most successful judo club in Germany, boasting both national and international recognition. This success is underscored by the club’s recent receipt of a certificate for protection against sexual violence, awarded on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, making it one of approximately 100 clubs in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) – out of a total of 17,000 sports clubs – to achieve this standard.
The certification process, initiated 18 months prior, involved developing a tailored protection concept with support from the NRW State Sports Association (LSB), the NRW District Sports Association (KSB), and the North Rhine-Westphalia Judo Association (NWJV). The club’s volunteer team underwent training, submitted police clearance certificates, and appointed Britta von Grünberg and Sven Dicke as certified contact persons.
The club’s commitment to safety and well-being, however, faced initial hurdles. The LSB initially expressed dissatisfaction with the concept’s PowerPoint format, requiring further clarification and refinement with assistance from Carina Richter of the NWJV. Despite these challenges, the JC Wermelskirchen ultimately secured the certification, demonstrating its dedication to creating a secure environment for its members.
The online discussion is intended for trainers and officials within the DJB and aims to foster an exchange of ideas on member recruitment. Registration is open via DokuMe until March 15, 2026, with access links to be distributed by Jenny Frey the evening before the event. Participants can register with their name, email address, and club affiliation.
The event follows a period of scrutiny regarding the club’s involvement in the planning of Wermelskirchen’s “Haus der Vereine” (House of Associations). According to local reports, the club’s extensive work on concepts for the future facility was seemingly overlooked by city officials, raising questions about the recognition of volunteer organizations within municipal initiatives.
