SK Sturm Graz under-14 football team visits BT-Systems

10/15/2025

Sturm Graz FC icon Mario Haas accompanies the youngsters

f.l.t.r.: Thomas Raffl (Sports Director U8-U14), legendary player Mario Haas (Head Coach AKA U16), Gerald Kreiner (CEO BT-Systems), Soni Vidovic (Assistant Coach U14), and
Gernot Gößler (Head Coach U14) with the U14 players

BT-Systems GmbH received a special visitor at the beginning of September: The SK Sturm Graz under-14 football team visited our headquarters in Ludersdorf together with club legend Mario Haas.As an official co-operation partner of SK Sturm FC, we are delighted about the direct exchange with the next generation and the lively connection between sport and technology. The visit offered the young players a welcome change from their daily training routine and the opportunity to experience an innovative industrial company from the region at first hand.

A look behind the scenes
CEO Gerald Kreiner gave the Blackies a tour of the factory halls and explained how BT-Systems develops automation solutions, builds control cabinets and manufactures special machines. "It is important to us to offer young people prospects. That's why we not only support the sport, but also offer apprenticeships for young Sturm FC players if required," says Kreiner.

Sturm FC legend Mario Haas as mentor
Sturm FC legend Mario Haas, who accompanied the under-14 players as patron, was also there. He took the time to talk and take photos and explained that he himself had completed an apprenticeship as a steel construction fitter before turning professional. Haas explained that this training gave him security and perspective, as it was not yet clear at the time whether his football career would work out - an experience that he would also like to pass on to the young players.

Commitment to young talent
BT-Systems is actively involved in promoting young talent and has already been honoured twice with the national award for exemplary apprentice training and the Moments Award for promoting young talent. Teamwork, commitment and a willingness to learn characterise both the young players and everyday working life at BT-Systems. The presence of 21 foreign languages among our 400 employees underscores our company’s international character and multicultural approach.

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