News and Insights
Next Generation on the rails and in sports clubs
ELP awards the first Next Generation Prize to Rock Academy Frauenfeld
Frauenfeld, 04 March 2026
With the Next Generation Prize, European Loc Pool specifically recognises clubs within the Sportnetz Frauenfeld association that invest sustainably in young people and actively shape the future of youth sports. The prize will be awarded four times a year.
Applications are submitted in the form of a video in which clubs demonstrate how they promote youth coaches and involve young people in leadership roles at an early stage. A joint jury consisting of representatives from ELP and Sportnetz Frauenfeld evaluates the submissions and selects the winning clubs.
The first award goes to Rock Academy Frauenfeld, which impressed the jury with its consistent implementation of the 1418 Coach Programme. The programme enables young people to take on responsibility at an early age and gain their first experience as coaches and team leaders. Through the targeted development of these young trainers, Rock Academy ensures that qualified leaders grow from within its own ranks, strengthening the club’s long term future.
During a ceremonial presentation on site, representatives from ELP and Sportnetz Frauenfeld honoured the club’s commitment. The Managing Director of Rock Academy, Dimitri Isenring, emphasised:
“Our club depends on young coaches. It is important for us to train and support them. With the prize money we can continue to follow this philosophy and strengthen the next generation in a targeted way.”
Hanu Fehr, President of Sportnetz Frauenfeld, also highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative:
“If we want clubs to remain vibrant in the future, we must invest in young people today. The cooperation with ELP allows us to focus precisely where the future is created.”
For ELP, this regional engagement is a conscious decision. CEO Willem Goosen explains:
“As a company, we stand for performance, responsibility and future readiness. With the Next Generation Prize, we deliberately invest in young people who take responsibility and shape the sport of tomorrow. Supporting the next generation is not just a slogan for us, it is a mindset.”
The name of the prize has been chosen deliberately. With its state of the art Euro9000 multisystem locomotive, ELP represents the next generation in European rail freight transport. The Euro9000 combines performance, efficiency and future readiness on the rails.
As a company based in Frauenfeld, ELP is proud to actively support the region with this initiative and to make a sustainable contribution to local club life. ELP wishes Rock Academy Frauenfeld every success and great enjoyment in continuing its commitment to youth development.
About European Loc Pool AG
European Loc Pool (ELP) is a leading provider of innovative locomotive leasing and maintenance services headquartered in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. The Full Service leasing packages include modern six axle hybrid locomotives that can be tailored to the specific needs of customers. Since its founding in May 2018, ELP has served more than 33 operators across five countries.
ELP is committed to sustainability and deploys advanced technologies to reduce environmental impact while improving operational performance. The experienced ELP team places great emphasis on safety, reliability and cost efficiency to exceed customer expectations.
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We are very much looking forward to our collaboration with Sportnetz Frauenfeld and are proud that the Next Generation Prize allows us to make a concrete contribution to youth development in the canton of Thurgau.
Press Contact ELP:
Morena Di Nardo
Marketing & Communications
E-mail: morena.dinardo@europeanlocpool.com