A member of the European Union, Germany is the 6th largest country in Europe, and has a population of more than 82 million. The country is three times the size of Pennsylvania, and slightly smaller than Montana. Germany has the largest economy in Europe, and the world 4th largest GDP. Some of the largest German companies include BMW, Adidas, SAP, Mercedes-Benz, Nivea and Volkswagen. College education in Germany is free, even for foreigners. Soccer (known as “football”) is the most popular sport in Germany.
GELSENKIRCHEN
FC Schalke 04 is located in the city of Gelsenkirchen, which is the Ruhr area of Germany. The Ruhr’s biggest cities also include Dortmund, Essen, Duisburg and Dusseldorf. Gelsenkirchen was a tiny village until the 19th century when the industrial revolution led to the growth of the entire Ruhr area. In the early 20th century, Gelsenkirchen was called “the city of a thousand fires” for the flames of mine gasses flaring at night. Schalke’s mascot, Erwin, is modeled after a miner. Today, the population of Gelsenkirchen is 260,000. Mining in the region has since stopped, and now other industries are taking over. Germany’s largest solar power plant is located in Gelsenkirchen.
FC SCHALKE 04
Founded in 1904, FC Schalke 04 is one of the most popular and historic soccer teams in Europe. The “04” derives from the creation of the club in 1904. Schalke’s fan base spans the world, with over 145,000 members, making it the 5th largest sports club in the world. The club’s nickname “Die Can you spot the “G” for Knappen” stems from the old German word for “miners” Gelsenkirchen because in the early days many players were from the in the logo? coalmines of Gelsenkirchen.
KNAPPENSCHMIEDE
Schalke’s famous “Knappenschmiede” youth soccer academy has produced a flowing stream of world-class players across Europe for the last 25 years.
Knappenschmiede means: Blacksmith’s Shop. Where players are forged!