Sven Kirstein, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Auf Schalke eG, expressed satisfaction with the successful start of the cooperative initiative, which aims to financially stabilize the FC Schalke 04 over the long term. Since subscriptions opened on January 22, 2025, more than 7,000 members have already joined, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
In an interview, Kirstein emphasized the importance of laying a solid foundation in this initial phase. He stated, "Es war wichtig, in der ersten Phase ein gutes Fundament zu legen," underscoring the cooperative's long-term vision. The Auf Schalke eG is designed not merely as a temporary infusion of funds but as a sustainable structure intended to support the club throughout the coming decades.
"Wir wollen nicht einfach eine kurzfristige Finanzspritze liefern, sondern eine nachhaltige Struktur schaffen, die den Verein dauerhaft unterstützt," Kirstein added. This strategic approach aims to provide the financial support necessary for the FC Schalke 04 to not only weather current challenges but also thrive in the future.
The cooperative operates on principles of democratic participation. Each member, irrespective of their investment amount, retains one vote. This encourages inclusive decision-making, giving everyone a voice in the cooperative's operations. The General Assembly, which convenes annually, provides an opportunity for members to vote on significant decisions impacting the cooperative's future.
As part of its financial stabilization efforts, Auf Schalke eG plans to leverage the collected funds to purchase shares in the stadium, retire costly loans, and create room for financial maneuverability for the club. Kirstein elaborated on these goals: "Mit den Geldern wollen wir Anteile am Stadion kaufen, teure Kredite tilgen und so Spielräume für den Verein schaffen." This plan illustrates a commitment to not just alleviating immediate financial pressures but building a robust future for the team.
The excitement surrounding the cooperative is palpable, and Kirstein hopes more fans will join the movement: "Ich wünsche mir, dass die Bewegung weiter wächst und dass noch mehr von uns Schalkern mitmachen – denn dann wird unser Verein noch erfolgreicher sein." His invitation to fans reflects the cooperative's foundation on community involvement and shared success.
Meanwhile, in a separate discussion at the RAG-Campus Zollverein, Board members Matthias Tillmann and Michael Kalthoff shared insights on how much money has been raised so far. While details on specific fundraising amounts were not disclosed, the enthusiasm surrounding the cooperative signals hope and potential for greater financial backing as the initiative gains traction.
The commitment to sustainability and community engagement marks Auf Schalke eG not just as a funding mechanism, but as a new model for supporting football clubs. The initiative stands as an example of how fan engagement can reshape the financial landscape of sports teams, especially those like FC Schalke 04, who face hurdles in maintaining their status in competitive leagues.
The upcoming General Assembly is anticipated to be a pivotal moment for the cooperative as members gather to influence key decisions regarding funding and operation. This active participation will be crucial as Auf Schalke eG continues to grow and solidify its impact on the club’s financial health.
Ultimately, the story of Auf Schalke eG presents an inspiring narrative of community activism, where fans are not merely spectators but are directly involved in shaping the financial future of their cherished football club. The continuing rise in membership and support reflects a deep commitment from the Schalke community to ensure that the club not only survives but flourishes in the years to come.
