We support health

Double-Interview BVB and Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall and BVB: Working together for better health

Rheinmetall and BVB are working together to support better health. The partnership between BVB and Rheinmetall has been in place for over a year now. It goes far beyond pure sports sponsorship: it encompasses social engagement, a joint commitment to participation and fairness, and health promotion. After a year, Caroline-Ann Schmitz, Vice President Corporate Health Solutions at Rheinmetall, and Christian Diercks, Managing Director of the BVB Evonik Football Academy, take stock of the situation.

The partnership between BVB and Rheinmetall has been in place for over a year now. It goes far beyond pure sports sponsorship: it encompasses social engagement, a joint commitment to participation and fairness, as well as health promotion.

After one year, Caroline-Ann Schmitz, Vice President Corporate Health Solutions at Rheinmetall, and Christian Diercks, Managing Director of the BVB Evonik Football Academy, take stock of the partnership.

What makes the collaboration with BVB so special for Rheinmetall?

Caroline-Ann Schmitz: We work with Borussia Dortmund in a wide variety of areas as we have many points of contact and shared values. At Rheinmetall, we have been operating a comprehensive health management system with the appropriate structures in place for more than a decade. This means, among other things, that we actively promote the physical and mental health of our employees in a holistic manner. The cooperation with BVB ideally complements our work in this area.

Christian Diercks: Borussia Dortmund is much more than just a professional soccer team—it has over 1,200 employees who contribute their expertise. This diversity is what makes our partnerships so strong. We don't work with a set formula, but rather develop customized solutions tailored to the needs of our partners. We always ask ourselves: How can we as a club have an impact on society? And how can we work with our partners to generate momentum?

The partnership has now been in place for over a year. What have been your favourite moments together?

Christian, what was your personal highlight?

Rheinmetall has been involved in health management for quite some time. What new perspectives does BVB bring to the partnership?

You not only work with professional players and those who want to become one, but also with children and young people in popular sports as part of the BVB Evonik Football Academy. These are all people who enjoy sports anyway. But how do you manage to motivate adults, perhaps even those who are not particularly interested in sports?

Has the cooperation with BVB changed the attention to and acceptance of your health offerings and services?

How do you measure the success of your health management program at Rheinmetall? Are there any key figures that can be used to measure this?

Would you agree with this conclusion? Health promotion works particularly well when it touches people. With credible ambassadors, authentic stories, and a common goal: taking responsibility for a healthier society.

Health management

At Rheinmetall, people are the focus: health is not only a personal value, but also a decisive factor in the company's success. Only those who are healthy, motivated, and well-trained can reach their full potential – today more than ever.

The focus is on a holistic, needs- and target group-oriented concept with the aim of promoting the physical, mental, and emotional health and fitness as well as the general well-being of employees in the long run. Health management not only contributes to the health and satisfaction of everyone but also strengthens the corporate culture and well-being in the workplace.

BVB Evonik Football Academy

The aim of the BVB Evonik Football Academy is to enable football enthusiasts of all ages – regardless of their skill level – to enjoy the sport, to provide excellent support for children's football, and to lay the foundations for the youth training center, but also to have an impact on society. With a global network of 52 academies and partners, some of which cooperate with former or current BVB professionals in their home countries, the academy promotes not only athletic skills, but also personal development, team spirit, and social skills.

It represents what Borussia Dortmund is all about, even beyond professional soccer: social commitment and the teaching of values on and off the field.