Sports | Student Life | International School of Dusseldorf

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A vibrant and inclusive sports culture at ISD

At ISD, sport is more than just physical activity — it’s a core part of student life, building character, confidence, and community. Our inclusive and extensive programme inspires every student to find joy, challenge, and growth through sport.

With the most comprehensive sports offering of any international school in the region, ISD supports athletes at every level — from recreational participation to elite competition. Many of our students have gone on to earn scholarships, work in the sports industry, or play professionally.

Whether in team or individual sports, we provide a world-class ecosystem that helps student-athletes and their families balance academic achievement with athletic ambition.

Our competitive teams take part in local, regional, and international competitions, while our activities programme offers students the chance to develop skills in a fun, inclusive, and non-competitive environment. ISD summer sports camps are a great way to stay active, explore new sports, and build friendships.

BROWSE OUR SPORTS

ISD Sportsverein – Competitive Excellence and Community Engagement

The ISD Sportsverein (Sports Club) offers structured training and competitive opportunities across a variety of sports including football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, track & field, and more. Registered as an official sports club in Germany, the Sportsverein gives students the chance to compete locally, regionally, and nationally, fostering a spirit of excellence, discipline, and teamwork.

Whether your child is aiming to compete at a high level or simply wants to improve their skills, the Sportsverein provides a nurturing and professional environment to thrive in.

NECIS Programme – International Competition and Cultural Exchange

ISD is proud to be a founding member of NECIS – the Northwest European Council of International Schools. Through this network, our students regularly participate in international sports tournaments hosted by schools across Europe. 

NECIS offers a unique opportunity to compete with peers from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing sportsmanship, resilience, and intercultural understanding. Sports include soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, swimming, and track & field, with competitions tailored to middle and high school age groups.

After School Activities (ASA) – Sport for All

Our After School Activities programme ensures that every student, regardless of age or ability, can stay active and explore new interests. From introductory sports for younger students to recreational and skill-based training for older ones, ASAs complement our competitive offerings and support holistic development.

These activities are run by experienced coaches and staff, and reflect our belief that movement, play, and teamwork are essential to a balanced education.

 


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COMPETITIONS

INTERNATIONAL

INTERNATIONAL
(NECIS)

Our NECIS* teams compete against other international schools from across Northern Europe. Every season, teams take part in a series of 'friendly' competitions which lead to an end-of-season championship tournament. NECIS offers three distinct seasons of sport for students in grades 5 to 12.

  • Fall season:
    - Boys soccer
    - Girls volleyball
    - Cross country
     
  • Winter season:
    - Boys and girls basketball
    - Co-ed swimming
     
  • Spring season:
    - Co-ed softball
    - Co-ed golf
    - Girls soccer
    - Co-ed track & field

* NECIS is the Northwest European Council of International Schools.
 

STATE-WIDE

STATE-WIDE
(CITY CHAMPIONSHIPS)

ISD's school championship teams compete against other schools in Nordrhein Westfalen. Teams compete in a series of one-day mini tournaments, which take place during the school day. The winners of each one-day round usually advance on to another round, until a state champion is determined. The state champion then plays in the national championships, held each year in Berlin.

Sports Offered:*

  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Chess
  • Soccer
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

* Please note that some sports will only be offered if there are enough participants.
 

CITY-WIDE

CITY-WIDE
(ISD SPORTVEREIN)

Our ISD Sportverein teams compete locally, and are open to students from both ISD and the local community. Teams compete against other clubs (Vereine) from the greater Düsseldorf region. Training is typically twice a week, and games are played on most weekends throughout the school year.

Visit the ISD Sportverein website for more information.

Sports Offered:

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball

 

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES (ASAs)

Our After-School Activities (ASA) programme allows students to learn and develop new skills in a non-competitive environment. A range of sporting and non-sporting activities are offered, with a two-week trial period at the beginning of each school year. 

SEE THE FULL OFFERING HERE


 

ISD SPORTS CAMPS

Our week-long sports camps in August each year are open to ISD students, as well as students attending German schools. All ISD sports camps are run by experienced international coaches, and allow students to:

  • Meet other students before the start of the school year.
  • Practise their English.
  • Have fun while improving their skills.

CAMPS OFFERED

  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Sailing
  • Kindercamp

 

SKI TRIP

The annual ISD skiing and snowboard trip takes place each February.