An international youth exchange between Inverness and the German city of Augsburg has successfully concluded with a recent reciprocal visit to Augsburg.
The Inverness - Augsburg Sporting Alliance brings together young people, coaches and volunteers to share knowledge, develop skills and build lasting relationships through sport.
The initiative that was led by the Highland Council saw the Augsburg District Branch of the Bavarian Youth Sports Association (BSJ), the Youth Division of the Bavarian Sports Confederation visit Inverness and the surrounding areas. Supported by High Life Highland, Local Clubs, Governing Bodies and sportscotland the group took part in a range of activities including Highland Games, Shinty and Skiing as well as getting an insight into how sport is developed locally.
The exchange forms part of the 2026 celebrations marking 70 years of town twinning between Inverness and Augsburg, a partnership established in 1956 to promote friendship, cultural understanding and long-term social and economic links.
Provost of Inverness and Area, Councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “I am delighted to hear that the exchange has been a resounding success for all the participants taking part in this Inverness Common Good Fund supported initiative. The Sporting Alliance highlights the strength of our 70-year twinning relationship and shows how sport can bring people together in a meaningful and lasting way.
“The feedback from those who took part in the exchange demonstrates the value of the investment in young people, volunteers and community sport and the connections we are building that will benefit both our cities for many years to come.”
Inverness to Augsburg: a week of sport, culture and connection
Following the reciprocal visit to Augsburg with a group from Inverness travelling to Augsburg on 20 to 27 June 2026, Hugo Crush one of the 8 young people who successfully applied to go on the trip said: “There are some trips that leave you with a collection of good memories, and then there are those that genuinely broaden your perspective. The 2026 town twinning exchange from Inverness to Augsburg was undoubtedly the latter.”
Over the course of a week, participants from across the Highlands travelled to the historic Bavarian city of Augsburg to take part in a packed programme of learning, cultural exchange, community engagement and sport. What followed was an unforgettable experience that demonstrated the power of international partnerships and the unique ability of sport to bring people together, regardless of language, background, or nationality.
Hugo shares his reflections on a truly transformative twinning exchange in his blog highlighting: an active week of sporting experiences; discovering Augsburg on two wheels; the food, hospitality and shared experiences; celebrating international friendship and a visit to the vibrant Augsburger Sommernächte festival.