sport

Berlin Schools Launch Competitive Athletics Programs for High School Students

Berlin families can access competitive school sports through three recognised elite schools, international tournaments and city-wide events.

By Berlin Sport Desk · Published 25 July 2026

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Berlin maintains three DOSB-recognised Eliteschulen des Sports that combine high-level training with academic education: Poelchau-Oberschule, Flatow-Oberschule and the Sportschule im Olympiapark.

Elite Sports Schools

These schools provide specialised training in basketball, swimming, football, volleyball, handball, judo, boxing and athletics. Entry typically begins in grade 7, although swimming and rhythmic gymnastics accept students from grade 5. Prospective families review entry requirements directly with each school and prepare for selection processes that assess both athletic ability and academic standing.

International School Competitions

Berlin Brandenburg International School participates in the German International School Sports Tournament, entering teams in football, basketball, swimming, track and field, tennis and volleyball for students in grades 6 to 12. Families interested in this route contact the school’s athletics department to learn about try-outs and seasonal schedules.

City-Wide School Sports Events

The Berlin School Sports calendar features events such as the Schülertriathlon in Neukölln and the Mini-Marathon, alongside competitions organised under the Jugend trainiert für Olympia & Paralympics programme. Registration details and results appear on the official Schulsport portal, giving families a central place to monitor opportunities throughout the year.

Talent Development Initiative

The BERLIN HAT TALENT initiative, launched by the Landessportbund Berlin and the Senate, supports youth sports participation and talent identification across Berlin schools. Schools and parents can learn about participation routes through the Landessportbund and the Senate education channels.

Families begin by contacting one of the three elite schools or BBIS to understand entry criteria, then consult the Schulsport portal for event calendars. The BERLIN HAT TALENT programme offers an additional route for broader involvement in school sport across the city.