PITTSBURGH (August 28, 2017) – The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are taking their burgeoning partnership with world-renowned German soccer team FC Schalke 04 to the next level with a series of special events running from Sept. 8-11, including youth soccer clinics, high school visits, mascot tours, giveaways and a viewing party.
Schalke is one of the most popular teams in Europe with a passionate fan base that spans the world. Based in the Ruhr area, about 25 miles from Dusseldorf, the club’s nickname “Die Knappen” stems from the old German word for “miners” because in the early days many players were from the coalmines of Gelsenkirchen. Schalke’s famous “Knappenschmiede” youth academy has produced a flowing stream of world-class players across Europe for the last 25 years. Three coaches from the “Knappenschmiede” academy will travel to Pittsburgh to participate in the clinics and other activities.
Further questions on the Schalke-Riverhounds partnership can be directed to Riverhounds Director of Sales & Corporate Sponsorships Julie Klausner at jklausner@https://www.riverhounds.com and Mandy O’Donnell of Leverage Agency at mandyo@leverageagency.com. Additional info on all the scheduled events for next month listed below.
Youth Soccer Clinics / Free Swag / Contest to Win Trip to Germany – Sept. 10
Schalke’s “Knappenschmiede” youth academy coaches will work in conjunction with the Riverhounds coaches to give two soccer clinics at Highmark Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 10. The first clinic from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. is for the Riverhounds Development Academy. The second clinic from 2-4 p.m. is open to the public for kids between the ages of 8-13.
Registration is open now until Monday, Sept. 4 at www.riverhounds.com/Schalke-Clinics. All participants will receive a free Schalke-Riverhounds t-shirt and drawstring bag. In addition, one lucky participant will win a VIP trip for two to Gelsenkirchen, Germany for a behind-the-scenes tour and tickets to watch Schalke face Mainz on Oct. 21, a courtesy of VisitPittsburgh and Schalke.
Viewing Party / Free Lunch – Sept. 10
In between the two soccer clinics on Sunday, Sept. 10, the Schalke coaches are hosting a viewing party at noon at the Heineken “Soccer is Here” Pub at Highmark Stadium to watch Schalke take on their rivals Stuttgart on FOX Sports. Free pasta lunch will be available for clinic participants and their families.
Riverhounds vs. Louisville City FC – 7 p.m. – Sept. 9
On Saturday, Sept. 9, Erwin the mascot and the Schalke coaches will be on hand for the Hounds match against Louisville City FC at 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium. For tickets to the match, please visit www.riverhounds.com.
High School Visits
The Schalke coaches, along with their popular mascot Erwin, will also visit students at West Allegheny and Pine-Richland high schools during their time in Pittsburgh. In addition to running a general soccer clinic for students of all abilities, the coaches will have a Q&A session with students, and also meet with German-language students.
