Erasmus project days took place in Essen from Monday, 4th May 2026, to Wednesday, 6th May 2026. More than 40 students from Year 8 were actively involved. It was all about football and what the sport means to us personally and to the people in our region. Football has shaped both the Ruhr Area and Northern France, so the passion for football is something that we have in common. Our Press Team is very happy to share their impressions with you and our new friends from France.

Day 1: Our Football Tournament
On May 4th, 2026, we had a football tournament at our school as a part of an Erasmus project. Our school played against a French School called Collége Jean Moulin and about 50 students and teachers took part in the tournament. It was a really exciting and fun day from the very beginning. We started with a warm-up game called zombie ball, which was really cool and funny. In this game everyone plays against each other and tries to hit others with a ball to “knock them out.” If you get hit, you have to sit down. It was a great way to start the day and everyone was laughing and having fun.

After that the football matches began. First, the German boys played against the French boys and the German team won 6–0. It was an exciting game to watch. Then the French girls played against the German girls and lost 0-4. After that two German boys’ teams played against each other. One team won 2–1 and it was a very close and thrilling match.

Next, there was a very special and funny game: the boys played against the girls. The boys had a handicap, which made the game even more interesting. They had to hold a beach ball in both hands and were only allowed to pass the ball backwards. This made the game quite challenging and really funny to watch. In the end the match ended 1–0.
At the end of the tournament there was a mixed game where boys and girls played together in the same teams. This match was also very close and exciting and ended 1–0.

Finally, we had a Bobby car race. We were divided into three teams and had to race on Bobby cars. This was probably the funniest part of the day because it looked so silly and everyone was laughing a lot. Overall it was an amazing day full of excitement, fun and great memories.

Darija and Laura (Year 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2: Our RWE Stadium Tour

On the second day we visited the football museum in Dortmund and the Rot-Weiss Essen football stadium. The stadium tour felt special from the beginning because we knew we were about to see the places where real professional players are.
We split into two groups with our guides and started the tour. We saw the VIP lounge, the press room and even stood next to the pitch. It was amazing to be in the same places we usually only see on TV. The biggest highlight was the changing room. We were even allowed to sit in the seats of the RWE players. That felt really unreal, as if we were part of the team for a moment.

At the end, we went back home tired but very happy, with lots of great memories.

Frida (Year 8)

Day 3: Bracelets and Banners – Football Connects Everyone
This Wednesday Germany and France became one team. We worked together on football banners and friendship bracelets. We created them with teamwork, creativity and our own hands. The banners were decorated with flags, fringes and symbols. The friendship bracelets were meant to be a connection and a memory.

We communicated in English, with gestures and lots of creativity. Even though we are from different countries, football is a shared interest that connects. The atmosphere was exciting, fun, friendly, with lots of energy!

It was fun working together with lots of creativity and some snacks 🙂

Leni und Faye (Year 8)

Photos and Collages: Leni and Emilia (Year 8)