There’s something special about football that brings people together — and this year’s German Plus Annual Football Tournament 2025, held at the German School Jakarta (Deutsche Schule Jakarta – BSD), perfectly captured that spirit.
With laughter echoing across the green field, families cheering from the sidelines, and the smell of coffee and bratwurst filling the air, the event was more than just a sports competition — it was a celebration of unity, diversity, and friendship, the kind that transcends borders, age, and nationality.
A Legacy That Lives On: 61 Years of German Plus Football
The 2025 tournament marked a particularly special milestone — the 61st birthday of German Plus Football Club, originally founded in 1964. For over six decades, the club has served as one of Jakarta’s most inclusive and enduring expat sports communities.
What began as a small group of German friends playing casual weekend matches has evolved into a diverse football family made up of players from Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, the U.K., the U.S., Africa, Indonesia, and many other countries.
Each year, the German Plus Annual Tournament has become more than just a competition — it’s a tradition that reflects the club’s values: sportsmanship, camaraderie, and community.
The 2025 Tournament: A Gathering of Nations
This year’s edition brought together 12 teams from across Jakarta’s vibrant expat football community. From De Latinos FC to Allianz FC, Bali Bull Dogs, Bugils, German School Jakarta, JIS FC, M’Gladbach Academy and several others, the pitch was alive with energy and excitement.
Each team carried not only their skill but also their culture and pride. Flags waved, chants filled the air, and players of different backgrounds competed with passion, not for trophies, but for the love of the game and the joy of connecting across cultures. Initially, there were differences to navigate – from playing styles to team dynamics – emblematic of Jakarta’s intriguing mix of diverse cultural dimensions. Yet, as games progressed, these challenges turned into bridges, showcasing not just the unifying power of football, but also Jakarta’s unique blend of collectivism and power-distance. It was a testament to how sports can build common bonds beyond words.
“It’s incredible how football creates a common language,” said one participant from Spain. “You might not share the same mother tongue, but on the field – you understand each other perfectly.”
A Perfect Day at the German School Jakarta
The event took place at German School Jakarta (DSJ) in BSD, known for its expansive green field and welcoming international atmosphere.
From the early morning hours, the school grounds were buzzing with activity. Teams warmed up under the warm Jakarta sun, while families set up picnic mats and enjoyed breakfast from local food stalls. Children ran around kicking mini footballs, and the first whistle at 8:00 a.m. marked the start of a day filled with energy, laughter, and sportsmanship.
By mid-morning, the matches were in full swing. The audience, a colorful mix of parents, friends, and expat residents, cheered for their teams. Every goal was met with loud applause — and even missed shots drew supportive laughter.
The spirit of friendship that has always defined German Plus was visible everywhere — from opponents hugging after tough tackles to players sharing cold water bottles in between matches.
Beyond Football: Family Fun Day & Flea Market
This year, the tournament wasn’t just about the players. It was a true community celebration — a full Family Fun Day that welcomed everyone, even those who didn’t play football.
While the men battled it out on the field, the sidelines transformed into a lively flea market. Here, the ladies of the community and several Indonesian artisans — set up booths showcasing pre-loved treasures, handmade crafts, local snacks, and creative home products.
The market became a beautiful meeting point for cultures. You could see Indonesian mothers chatting with European expat wives, children giggling while picking toys, and groups of friends sipping iced coffee while browsing through colorful sarongs, jewelry, and eco-friendly bags.
It’s not just a football day — it’s a family day,” shared one of the event organizers. “We wanted everyone to feel included, even if they don’t play. The market gives space for creativity and connection — that’s what community is all about.” To illustrate this sense of community exchange, an Indonesian artisan was seen teaching a European visitor how to bargain in Bahasa while the visitor shared stories about European flea markets. This exchange exemplified the mutual learning and understanding that the event fosters, providing a meaningful cultural dialogue that goes beyond mere curiosity.
Sponsored by the Community, for the Community
A big event like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous sponsors — companies that share the same passion for building community and promoting healthy lifestyles.
This year’s Main Sponsors included:
And our Supporting Sponsors, who added color and care to the day:
Pocari Sweat, Ladang Lima, Afro Food, Boss Fisio , Txoko, Jika Chocolat , Racquet Padel Club, Villa Lea Bali, Columbia Asia Hospital
Together, these sponsors helped turn the tournament into a vibrant celebration — one that went beyond sport and became a reflection of Jakarta’s thriving international community.
“We’re proud to be part of this event,” said Fahra Rizwari, CEO of Noble Asia, one of the main sponsors.
“It’s not just about football — it’s about the friendships, the laughter, and the sense of belonging we build here in Jakarta.”
After a full day of exciting matches, De Latinos Football Club emerged as the tournament champion — a well-deserved victory after a series of thrilling games.
Their teamwork, spirit, and sportsmanship stood out throughout the competition. The final whistle was met with loud cheers, and players from all teams joined in to celebrate — because at German Plus, every participant is a winner.
The highlight came during the closing ceremony, where trophies were handed out amid laughter, clapping, and the traditional post-tournament group photo — dozens of players, children, and supporters smiling shoulder to shoulder.
A True German Tradition: Post-Match Celebration
No German event would be complete without a proper celebration!
As the sun set, the field transformed into a cheerful beer garden. Coolers were filled with Bali Hai Beer, tables were lined with snacks from Stube, and everyone — players, families, and sponsors — gathered to unwind, share stories, and enjoy the sunset.
Laughter filled the air as people clinked their glasses, exchanged jerseys, and reminisced about their favourite moments from the day. The champions from De Latinos FC danced and cheered with everyone else, showing exactly what this tournament stands for — joy, inclusion, and friendship.
It felt like being in a small German village festival, only this one happened under the Jakarta sky.
Building Bridges Through Sports
What makes the German Plus Annual Tournament truly special is not just the football — it’s the connections it creates.
Every year, the event reminds us that even in a bustling city like Jakarta, community matters. It’s where expats and Indonesians come together, where cultures blend naturally, and where friendship grows stronger with every match.
This year’s tournament also emphasized inclusivity, encouraging local teams to participate alongside expat clubs — creating a healthy mix of competition and collaboration.
“We play to win, but we also play to connect,” said one Indonesian player. “Here, I’ve made friends from six different countries. That’s something special.”
