This week marks the second time the joint event organized by the German Ice Hockey Federation (DEB) is taking place.DEBThe recruitment week organized by the PENNY DEL and DEL2 is taking place. Its specific aim is to get children excited about ice hockey. While the first activities have already taken place and many more are planned for the coming days, Ulrich Liebsch, Young Talent Coordinator of the PENNY DEL, talks about the taster week and the biggest challenges in the Young Talent program.
Mr. Liebsch, what is the idea behind the taster week?
Ulrich Liebsch: "We want to continue growing and inspire even more children to play ice hockey. Through media coverage in the run-up to and during the taster week, we hope to reach even more children and parents and spark their interest in our Young Talent Ice Hockey program."
How successful was the project last year?
Liebsch: "I can speak for the parent clubs of the PENNY DEL teams. Almost all of them participated in the activities. There was a lot of interest, but all the clubs already have full skating schools and the interest at the lower levels is enormous."
What are the major challenges facing our sport when it comes to getting more kids excited about ice hockey?
Liebsch: "To get their equipment to the rink, the youngest children need their parents. Therefore, it's essential to get parents excited about the sport. Furthermore, it's also an infrastructural issue: if clubs can't offer family-friendly times due to limited ice time, they're at a significant disadvantage. Additionally, many volunteers are always needed to get involved in the skating school team."
How do you generally view the work being done at the various locations in the Young Talent area? What has developed in recent years, and where are there still efforts to be made?
Liebsch: “We are continuing to grow. This is evidenced by the growth rates in the lower age groups. The quality of training has improved, but still needs further optimization. However, this always depends on the people involved on the ground. Starting in the 2026/2027 season, our 5-star training program will require a full-time coach for the U11 and younger age groups. This is intended to further enhance the quality of training at the foundational level. Another step will be the new training program for Young Talent Leaders.” DEB This should further professionalize the work in long-term performance development within the Young Talent program and increase its quality.”
How would you alleviate parents' fears about sending their child to ice hockey practice? What are the special features of the sport for both adults and children?
Liebsch: "Ice hockey is the ultimate team sport. It's therefore a huge benefit for a child's social development. The children are well protected by the equipment; we don't have any serious injuries in the Young Talent program. Ice hockey is also perfect for motor development. The movements on the ice are highly complex, but the kids learn them amazingly quickly if they come to training regularly."
Further information and current promotions for the taster week can be found at: https://www.deb-online.de/5-sterne-programm/schnupperwoche/
Ulrich Liebsch, photo: City-Press