Laura Dick & Andreas Pitz

The World Cup captivates millions of people around the world. It’s a story of intense emotions, surprising twists, and unforgettable moments—and at the same time, it draws our attention to the future of the sport. After all, what will define the soccer of tomorrow? Who will shape it—on the field, within clubs, and in society? 

Together with Laura Dick and Dr. Andreas Pitz, a member of the executive board of the Badischer Fußballverband e.V., we discuss soccer as a social force and why it inspires people around the world. From different perspectives, our two guests look toward the future of the sport: the importance of sustainable youth development, clubs as places of community and personal growth, and the question of how young players can be supported and encouraged today. 

At the same time, the discussion focuses on diversity and inclusion in soccer, the growing importance of girls’ and women’s soccer as a natural part of a vibrant soccer culture, and the role of associations, volunteer work, and social engagement in the sport’s continued development. The discussion will also explore the impact major tournaments can have on grassroots and youth sports, and how enthusiasm for professional soccer can foster long-term commitment to local clubs. 

Finally, the conversation will turn to the World Cup final: What makes such a match a global event? What stories will this tournament leave behind? And what kind of future do we envision for soccer—as a sport, as a community, and as a social space? 

Laura Dick has been a goalkeeper for TSG Hoffenheim since 2018 and is now considered the undisputed starting goalkeeper for the Bundesliga team. She began her career at FV Fischbach and TSG Jägersfreude. Au, Dick has already enjoyed great success at the national level: She progressed through all of the DFB’s junior national teams up to the U23 level. One of the highlights of her career was winning the 2019 U17 European Championship. 

Dr. Andreas Pitz is a professor at the Mannheim University of Applied Sciences, where he heads the Institute for Health and Life Sciences Law. As a member of the executive board of the Badischer Fußballverband e.V., he is deeply involved in the association’s sports-related work. He also contributes his expertise in medical and social law as a member of the DFB Sports Court and the Ethics Commission.

Afterward, the DAI invites everyone to watch the World Cup final together—when soccer itself will once again make history.