“Sportschule Schöneck: a school for sport, education and athletic encounter.” This guiding principle, established in 1953, still resonates today. The Sportschule Schöneck is nestled atop Turmberg, offering a stunning view of Karlsruhe.
The Badische Fussballverband founded the Sportschule Schöneck. It aimed to create a central training facility. The initial idea involved the former Reichssportschule Wilhelmshöhe in Ettlingen. Ettlingen wanted to build a retirement home there and thwarted the plans. In 1951, the BFV acquired the 50,000 square meter “Gut Schöneck” site.
In 1953, the facilities were completed. They included a stadium and tennis courts. The Turmberghaus served as accommodation and administration. The Fritz-Meinzer-Halle was added in 1954. The Sportschule Schöneck officially opened on May 14, 1953. It was officially inaugurated on July 11 and 12, 1953. Hans Gruber, a former VfB Mühlburg player, became the first director. He had previously worked at the Reichssportschule Wilhelmshöhe.
The BFV prioritized training coaches and youth leaders. Many clubs emerged after the Second World War. Courses were also available for players. Referees could receive training and further education. National teams could use the facilities for training. In June 1954, the German national team prepared for the World Cup at the Sportschule Schöneck. Sepp Herberger was the coach. The road to the Sportschule was later named Sepp-Herberger-Weg after him. Due to its location near the Turmberg, the restaurant became very popular. In 1962, Schöneck closed to day visitors.
The Sportschule Schöneck steadily grew. Between 1984 and 2000, about 30 million DM were invested. Key constructions and renovations included: the Waldhaus in 1966, Halle 2 with a swimming pool in 1972 and the administration building in 1979. Also included the Arkadenhaus in 1986, the Turmberghaus in 1987/88 and Halle I in 1987/89. The stadium was redesigned in 1988/89. Halle 3 was built with an artificial turf field in 1990. The roof could open like a convertible. The Waldhaus was renovated in 1992. The roof was renewed and the swimming pool and Halle 2 were renovated in 1991/95.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Karlsruher SC’s professional team quarantined at the Sportschule. They prepared for the continuation of the second division season 2019/20.
Today, the Sportschule Schöneck includes three football pitches. One pitch has artificial turf. There are three sports halls and an indoor swimming pool. You’ll also find two tennis courts and two beach volleyball courts. A wrestling and judo room is available. The site also has a fitness room, a bowling alley and a sauna. Several rooms cater to different group sizes for training, seminars and conferences. Other sports now use the training center twice as much as football.
The focus is on training instructors. Seminars are held and training opportunities are provided. These are for teams and individual athletes. Accommodation has been available since the beginning. The number of beds has increased from 52 to 172. There are around 35,000 overnight stays each year. The Sportschule Schöneck continues to be a vital hub for sports and education. It is a place where athletes can grow and develop.