On the evening of November 10, 2025, SG Wattenscheid 09 held its annual general meeting. And there was good news.
The event, held in the “09 Living Room” on Berliner Straße, was attended by 114 voting members of SG Wattenscheid 09, and the Oberliga team led by head coach Christopher Pache was also present.
On the financial front, Georg Sokoll was able to report positive figures this time. After posting a deficit of just under 105,000 euros the previous year, the club generated a revenue surplus of 96,958.36 euros last season.
This revenue surplus is offset by outstanding liabilities totaling 154,948.71 euros as of June 30, 2025. Among other things, SG 09 has succeeded in gradually paying off its long-term liabilities. The current trend points toward a “balanced budget” by the end of the 2025–26 season.
A significant increase in revenue is particularly evident in the area of sponsorship. In addition to the expansion of its networks, the club’s ongoing professionalization in this area is also playing a role. With the lease-to-own agreement for the new LED video board at Lohrheidestadion—“powered by ImmoTec”—over four years for a six-figure sum—one of the largest investments in the club’s recent history—SG 09 has once again opened up new possibilities for showcasing and marketing sponsors during home games.
Sporting success is expected to lead to promotion to the Regionalliga in the near future
Regarding the sports division, Richard Weber once again referred to the three-year plan. Following last year’s transitional season, the goal for the 2025–26 season is to finish among the top six teams and thereby qualify directly for the Westphalia Cup. “Of course, we want to stay in one of the two promotion spots for as long as possible!” Weber emphasized. The club aims to return to the Regionalliga West by next season at the latest. The club’s medium-term goal is to establish itself in this division.
An important sign of progress on this path came directly from the team: Goalkeeper Joshua Mross extended his contract early—and regardless of the league—through 2027.
Dennis Helfer, who oversees the youth program, also expressed satisfaction. In particular, the partnership with the Knappenschmiede (FC Schalke 04’s youth academy) contributes to steady development and the recruitment of new talent. Among other things, the clubs work closely together in the areas of scouting and talent development.
This is reflected, among other things, in the performance of the youth teams: Last season, all teams remained in their respective leagues, and the U17 team was also promoted to the Westfalenliga. Successes were also celebrated in the district cup and during the indoor city championships.
The new “09-Talentzeche” brand was created to ensure consistent and strong marketing of the youth division. Under this brand—which includes, among other things, a unified social media presence—the youth teams will present themselves to the public in the future. The youth division was also able to recruit Ilias Anan, an active first-team player, as a technical coach.
An important factor in ensuring that match days run smoothly remains the volunteer commitment of numerous helpers within the club. Whether on the media team, in catering, setting up and taking down equipment, or at the office, 65 volunteers contribute to club life with great dedication and passion—and the number continues to rise.
