Partners Allianz continues to strengthen Düren

In 2025/26, Allianz Deutschland is in its tenth season as the most important national partner of SWD powervolleys Düren – and it will remain so for at least five more years, until 2031. The insurer is extending its commitment long term. Allianz gives the club security, says managing director Tomas Kocian-Falkenbach. But it is also an enormously important partner in other areas, one that has shaped Düren and is part of its success.

A shared journey

The partnership goes beyond the relationship between a sponsor and a sports club. The journey so far has both challenged and supported the club, says Kocian-Falkenbach. Allianz also advises SWD powervolleys on their public image and marketing: its marketing department looks at the key figures, sets motivating targets and gives tips on how to reach them. Düren have grown with this partnership, says Kocian-Falkenbach, pointing to greater reach and rising attendance.

Making children strong

Supporting children has been a cornerstone of the cooperation from the start, and it is set to become even more important. The aim is to make children strong, says Manuel Duhnke, head of sponsoring at Allianz. The “Allianz macht Schule” project has been running since the partnership began: players and professional coaches visit schools. In 2026 another project for schools is being added.

It is not necessarily about the children learning volleyball, Kocian-Falkenbach explains, but about developing their motor skills. Whether that ends up in volleyball, football or table tennis is secondary at first.

Part of the Local Heroes initiative

Duhnke speaks of a social responsibility that Allianz takes on with its partners in the Local Heroes initiative. Allianz works with local and regional flagships, and Düren was one of the first partners. A second pillar in top-level sport is better known: Allianz is one of the major sponsors of FC Bayern München, which plays in a league of its own in reach and budget. That changes nothing about the commitment to local heroes like Düren, Duhnke stresses – Allianz is proud of the shared journey with SWD powervolleys.

Successful, approachable and authentic

Then there is the direct value as an advertising partner. SWD powervolleys are successful, approachable and authentic, says Henning Lorbetzki, regional partner and owner of an Allianz agency in Weilerswist. Add to that the fun factor: at home matches, partners are part of a successful event and a thrilling contest.

Like on Saturday, 28 March 2026, at the first playoff quarterfinal, which Düren won 3-1 against Helios Grizzlys Giesen in a real thriller. For the return leg in Giesen on Saturday, 4 April, Duhnke and Lorbetzki will be keeping their fingers crossed in front of the screen. For the partners, the cooperation has long become an emotional matter in the best sense.