Published on Monday, 13 April 2026
KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft supports Smiling Stars in 2026
When children smile again: the animal-assisted therapy and meeting place for children in difficult circumstances becomes an official KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft project.
A labour of love by Andrea and Frank Schloßmacher
With Smiling Stars, KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft welcomes an initiative into its circle of partners for 2026 that gives children in especially difficult circumstances new strength, stability and joy in life.
Launched by Andrea and Frank Schloßmacher, Smiling Stars is much more than a therapy service – it is a safe place of encounter where children are seen, strengthened and emotionally supported. A place where small steps have a big impact.
Animal-assisted therapy with a profound effect
At the heart of the work is animal-assisted support with horses. Encounters with the animals open doors where words often fail. They foster trust, self-confidence and emotional stability – especially in children who have experienced trauma, psychological strain or social disadvantage.
Horses respond sensitively, without judgement and immediately. That is exactly what makes them such powerful therapeutic partners. Children learn to:
- build trust
- take responsibility
- overcome fears
- experience self-efficacy
- develop emotional security
Successes that last far beyond the moment.
A safe haven for children and families
At SIGIS RANCH in Klausen, the founders have created a place that combines security, closeness to nature and opportunities to grow. Here children find:
- animal-assisted therapy
- educational support
- emotional stabilisation
- shared experiences
- caring encouragement
Without projects like Smiling Stars, many of the children in their care would have no access to this valuable support – because animal-assisted therapy is often not covered by health insurance. That is precisely why support from society is so crucial.
Why KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft supports this project
KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft deliberately supports initiatives that have a lasting impact for children and families. Smiling Stars is a prime example of humanity, closeness, giving children prospects, child protection and emotional empowerment.
The funding makes it possible to expand the therapy on offer, open it up to more children and secure the project’s infrastructure for the long term.
Help that touches hearts
Through charity events, charity matches and fundraising campaigns, KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft will actively raise funds in 2026 that go directly into the work of Smiling Stars. This creates real support for:
- therapy sessions
- keeping and caring for the animals
- educational support
- project development
- infrastructure
Every donation helps children smile again.
When children shine, the future wins
The partnership shows impressively how varied social help can be. Football pitches and riding arenas may seem worlds apart at first glance – yet both are places of movement, encounter and growth. KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft uses the appeal of sport to strengthen exactly these places close to our hearts.
Because the mission remains: giving children hope. Strengthening families. Making a future possible.
Looking ahead
The support for Smiling Stars is designed for the long term and is part of the growing social commitment of KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft. Joint campaigns, event appearances and fundraising formats will make the partnership visible and expand it further.
A strong signal that help begins where people are willing to take responsibility. Or, in the words of KICK & CARE – Fußball hilft: when football moves hearts, real healing can follow.