XIX European Ivy League: Soccer Tournament of European Business Schools in Leipzig Was a Great Success

[HHL gGmbH - 19.05.2015] A total of 22 teams from universities representing all of Europe, such as University of Edinburgh, ISM Munich, University of Bamberg, Mannheim Business School, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Corvinus University of Budapest, as well as numerous teams from host HHL participated in this unique sports event. The motto of the European Ivy League was "Business Meets Soccer". The economic aspect of soccer was explored from various angles during the opening ceremony in particular. The soccer tournament, organized solely by HHL students, looks back on a long tradition within the HHL network and offers an excellent platform to companies and students alike.

The opening address given by Martin Kind, President of the Hannover 96 soccer team, represented a special highlight. Although his team had an important match in the relegation battle against FC Augsburg the following day, the owner and CEO of Kind Group was glad to give the 2015 Leipzig Leadership Lecture at HHL. Using Hannover 96 as an example, Martin Kind impressively outlined how an insolvent third-league club was able to develop into a first-class soccer club and commercial enterprise through professional management. Additionally, Stern Stewart, Oliver Wyman und AB InBev as the main sponsors introduced themselves to the students participating in the tournament on a career fair following the traditional reception hosted by sparkling wine producer Geldermann.

The final of this year's European Ivy League saw a line-up of almost professional level soccer players from Corvinus University of Budapest clearly prevail over the team of longtime EIL sponsor Stern Stewart with a score of 4:0. The team from Budapest had already beaten out the favorites from European University Viadrina by 2:1 in a thrilling quarter final match. Runner-up team Stern Stewart with players from the consulting firm as well as students from DHBW Ravensburg, the University of Hohenheim and HHL showed great team spirit and improvisational talent.

The 'small final', the third-place game, saw the team from Porsche Leipzig win against the Accounting Giants HHL, the team led by HHL's Prof. Dr. Henning Zülch. The school's cheerleading team caused quite a stir and motivated the teams to once again give peak performances before the final game.

Looking back, main organizers Maximilian Eichinger and Maximilian Mayer, who are currently completing a Master's program at HHL, say, "In its 19th year, the European Ivy League once again managed to impress participants and visitors alike. I would like to thank the team of organizers who made this year's soccer competition an unforgettable event for everyone. Many participants have already confirmed their return for next year's anniversary tournament."

The 'European Ivy League After Show Party' at Elsterartig on Saturday night marked another highlight of the event. At the party, the winning team from Budapest received the Trophy, the new Spirit Award was presented to the group from Groningen, which had joined the tournament with more than ten players and two teams, and the Most Valuable Player Award went to a player from European University Viadrina. The award was sponsored by the HHL Alumni Association and presented by its board members Lars Wulfken and Anja Ritchie. Following the festive award ceremony, the participants celebrated their successes and experiences until the early morning hours. The tournament weekend came to an end with the traditional farewell brunch at Restaurant Barfusz on Sunday where everyone was able to refuel for the trip home.

The XIX European Ivy League was sponsored by the HHL Alumni Association e.V., Stern Stewart & Co., Oliver Wyman, AB InBev, Schwartauer Werke GmbH & Co. KG, Geldermann Sekt, Red Bull and Our Berlin Vodka.

Further information and pictures: http://www.hhl-students.de/ivy-league
https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanIvyLeague

About HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

HHL is a university-level institution and ranks amongst the leading international business schools. The goal of the oldest business school in German-speaking Europe is to educate effective, responsible and entrepreneurially-minded leaders. In addition to HHL's international focus, the combination of theory and practice plays a key role. HHL stands out for its excellent teaching, its clear research focus, its effective knowledge transfer into practice as well as its outstanding student services. www.hhl.de