Sports
In Aachen, sports are naturally an important part of community life and mutual understanding among students. Besides the enjoyable soirées and the hard work of studying, it is important to have opportunities to unwind. Here you can find some information about sporting activities within AVL and the university sports program.
Within AVL
For many years, AVL has been a highly sports-oriented and active student association. This is reflected in the numerous titles won at the Tournoi de Noël, whether in volleyball, basketball, football, or in the three overall championship victories we have celebrated so far. In addition to the TdN, there are many other tournaments in which AVL participates. Examples include the Beach Volleyball Tournament in Kaiserslautern, the Tournoi de l’Ambassadeur (a football tournament held each year in a different city), and the Summercup (a football tournament that takes place annually in Luxembourg). AVL not only travels to tournaments but also organizes several sporting events itself. Every year at the beginning of the summer semester, the traditional relay race takes place. Participants complete a relay route over two days from Aachen to a municipality in Luxembourg, including an overnight stop in a village along the way, where the host municipality traditionally welcomes participants with a reception. This event is always a highlight of the year, allowing members of all fitness levels to take part. After the first day, participants are rewarded with plenty of food and drinks to recover for the next stage. In addition, AVL organizes regular indoor football sessions throughout the year. Members interested in participating are encouraged to contact the Sports Minister. During the summer semester, AVL reserves a beach volleyball court on the Königshügel, where members meet once a week in the afternoon to play together for a couple of hours.
University Sports
AVL is not the only organization promoting sports. RWTH Aachen University and FH Aachen, through their joint University Sports Program, offer a wide variety of sporting activities. The range extends from dance classes—where many AVL members have already stepped on each other’s feet— to contact sports and fitness activities where familiar faces from previous semesters are often encountered. Naturally, the university sports program also offers more traditional sports such as basketball, football, and volleyball, either as organized courses or through open recreational play. It is important to note that registration for some sports courses is only possible once or twice per semester. Registration typically opens on a Tuesday at 4:00 PM, one week before the RWTH semester begins (exact dates are published on the university sports website). It is highly recommended to register quickly, as the most popular courses often fill up within minutes. Other activities are available through flexible recreational programs that allow participants to register during the week as needed. Most sports programs are free of charge, although some require a small participation fee. Compared to similar activities outside the university environment, these fees are generally very affordable and tailored to student budgets. For those interested in strength training, the RWTH Gym is also available. It offers extensive opening hours, qualified trainers, and excellent equipment.
If you have any further questions regarding sports within AVL or the university sports program, feel free to contact the Sports Minister (contact details can be found on this website). The following links provide additional information about the university sports offerings:
