FC St. Pauli turns Glauchau into a football bonanza for kids

Hamburg’s second-division side FC St. Pauli turned the SV Fortschritt Glauchau pitch into a week-long training camp for young footballers. From July 7 to 13, 2026, the club hosted its „Rabaukencamp“ in western Saxony, giving 6- to 13-year-olds a taste of Bundesliga action during the club’s summer break. The camp came with a stark reminder of the first team’s struggles: 29 goals scored this season, yet 60 conceded and a 63-point gap to leaders Bayern München.

What happened in Glauchau?

For the second straight year, FC St. Pauli opened its football school to external youth talents. The week-long camp mixed drills with fun under sunny skies at Fortschritt Glauchau’s facilities. Kids worked on ball control, passing and teamwork, guided by St. Pauli coaches and local partners. „A whiff of Bundesliga excitement for the region“, said a host-club spokesman.

The age range of 6 to 13 targets the formative years when many youngsters first join organised football. FC St. Pauli uses low-threshold programmes like this to nurture talent regardless of future level. The partnership with clubs such as Fortschritt Glauchau also cements the Hamburg side’s regional ties.

Why the camp matters for FC St. Pauli

For the second-division club, the Rabaukencamp is more than PR. The football school bolsters the club’s image as a socially engaged outfit and plants early seeds among future fans. With just 26 points and five straight losses (LLLLD) leaving them 18th in the Bundesliga, every positive headline — and every new generation of supporters — counts.

Local partners also gain from St. Pauli’s expertise. The Hamburg side’s creative playing style shaped the camp’s drills. „The kids didn’t just have fun — they actually learned something“, said a U11 participant.

What’s next for FC St. Pauli?

After Glauchau, the club’s next fixture is at home to Karlsruher SC on October 10, 2026. Until then, the first team is in summer break while the academy keeps rolling. More Rabaukencamps are in the pipeline to strengthen youth football across the region.

For the youngsters from Glauchau and beyond, the camp could be the first step toward a longer link with FC St. Pauli. The club’s football school also scouts talent — who knows, the next Millerntor first-teamer might emerge from these sessions.

Right now, FC St. Pauli labours with a leaky defence (60 goals conceded) and a 63-point chasm to Bayern München. Yet initiatives like the Rabaukencamp prove the club takes responsibility off the pitch — and invests in tomorrow’s talent.