Football connects: SPIE AUTOMATION at the SPIE Football Challenge Cup 2026

Eight colleagues from SPIE AUTOMATION competed with the Rasenrocker team at the SPIE Football Challenge Cup 2026 in Meerbusch.

Meerbusch, June 10, 2026 – At this year’s SPIE Football Challenge Cup in Meerbusch, colleagues from across SPIE Germany Switzerland Austria came together. The preliminary tournament decided which teams would qualify for the grand final in Antwerp.

A total of 25 teams competed against each other. The colleagues from SPIE AUTOMATION also laced up their football boots and competed as part of the Rasenrocker team. Together with Team SNG United and Team SPIE United, the Industry Service & Wind division, which includes SPIE AUTOMATION, fielded three teams for the tournament.

Support from all sides
While things didn’t go as hoped on the pitch for the Rasenrockers this year, the atmosphere remained positive throughout. Cheered on by colleagues, families, and fans, Hector, Christian, Angel, Marius, Gerrit, Ahmad, Stephan, and Jens fought for every ball. Robert Lambertz (Business Unit Manager for Robotics & Intralogistics/Process Engineering) also made a stop in Meerbusch during a motorcycle tour to personally support the Rasenrockers from the sidelines.

The atmosphere was great all day long. Whether on the pitch or from the sidelines – everyone was cheering and supporting the team. That’s exactly what makes events like this special.

Jens | State-certified Technician / Process Engineer
SPIE AUTOMATION

For the SPIE AUTOMATION colleagues in particular, the event was a wonderful opportunity to finally put a face to familiar names. Due to SPIE AUTOMATION’s extensive coverage across Germany, many colleagues work on projects across different locations and have rarely met in person until now.

In the end, it wasn’t just about football. It was particularly nice for me to personally meet the colleagues I only knew from emails or shared projects.

Hector | Electrical Designer
SPIE AUTOMATION

Moments that stay with you
However, it’s often not the results that stay in your memory, but the small moments in between. This included the strong performance of goalkeeper Gerrit, who repeatedly saved the Rasenrockers from conceding goals with several great saves. And the female colleagues from SPIE RODIAS, who formed the Rasenrocker team together with the SPIE AUTOMATION colleagues, also shone with moments of success.

Our team captain Irina (SPIE RODIAS) blocked a ball and was absolutely thrilled afterwards. She literally jumped for joy across the pitch. That was one of those moments that stays with you for a long time.

Christian | Design Team Leader
SPIE AUTOMATION

See you next year!
With plenty of conversation, new contacts, and shared memories, the day finally ended at the Players’ Night. We are particularly pleased about SNG United‘s successful qualification for the final in Antwerp. Congratulations and good luck for the next round!

Even though the Rasenrockers didn’t make it to the final this year in terms of sport, the participants agreed on one point: the event was worth every minute and left everyone looking forward to a repeat next year. Many thanks to the organizers for the successful event and to Hector, Christian, Angel, Marius, Gerrit, Ahmad, Stephan, and Jens for your commitment on and off the pitch.

This is SPIE AUTOMATION

With a team of over 350 colleagues, SPIE AUTOMATION develops tailored solutions in the fields of Automation, Robotics, Digitalization, Manufacturing, Assembly & Relocation, Process Engineering, and Maintenance & Servicing.

Further insights into our team and our work can also be found on our social media channels.