New sports school in Sursee strengthens talent development in Canton Lucerne
Starting in summer 2025, the Sursee Sports School will open its doors to athletically talented young people. Alongside Kriens, it will be the second location in the Canton of Lucerne where elite sports and secondary education can be optimally combined.
With the establishment of the Sursee Sports School, the Canton of Lucerne expands its efforts to promote athletic talent at the secondary school level. The new location will complement the existing Kriens Sports School from the 2025/26 school year, providing young athletes with a local opportunity to successfully balance elite sports and education. This initiative stems from a collaboration between the Lucerne Cantonal Floorball Association (KLUV), the Regional Development Agency RET Sursee-Mittelland, and the cantonal sports promotion.
A needs analysis by the Health and Sports Department (DIGE) highlighted an urgent demand for an additional sports-focused educational institution in the Sursee region. Education Director Armin Hartmann underscores the project’s significance: «The Sursee Sports School enables young athletes to integrate school time with their individualized training schedules flexibly.» He emphasizes broad support: «The joint efforts of the city and region of Sursee, cantonal authorities, and numerous sports clubs are key success factors.»
The Sursee Sports School follows the proven model of Kriens and is aimed at students in grades 7 through 9. It focuses particularly on youths holding a Swiss Olympic Talent Card. Fifteen sports disciplines, including football, swimming, rowing, and tennis, have already expressed interest. «Our analysis indicates that approximately 200 young people in the Sursee region meet the criteria — clear evidence of the potential,» says Markus Kälin, head of sports promotion in the Department of Health and Social Affairs.
Innovative Teaching for Flexible Needs
The «Sports Network Sursee» association will oversee school operations. «A flexible schedule, innovative teaching methods, and self-directed learning form the foundation,» explains Peter Bigler from the Sports Network. Promoting personal responsibility and time management is essential to accommodate the varying training plans of students.
Initially, the Sursee Sports School will be housed in the Migros Klubschule premises in Surseepark. Integration into the city of Sursee’s public school system is planned for 2031/32. Sursee City Councilor Judith Studer supports the initiative: «The Sports School enhances our educational offerings and reinforces Sursee’s role as the Canton’s second hub.»
Financing and Prospects
Funding will be provided by the Canton of Lucerne and local municipalities. The Canton covers standard per capita secondary education costs plus approximately ten percent of additional expenses. For out-of-canton students, the Central Switzerland Regional School Agreement applies.
The inaugural class will begin in August 2025 with a maximum of 20 students. In the long term, six classes with up to 120 students are planned. Annual costs for the Canton are budgeted at 910,000 Swiss francs, reflected in the 2025–2028 Task and Financial Plan. Enrollment ends in March 2025, with selection taking place in April. An informational evening will be held on February 7, 2025, at the Sursee Campus.
Double Olympic champion Fabian Cancellara, a project supporter, states: «The Sursee Sports School will help young talents combine education and elite sports — a crucial prerequisite for international competition.»
The new Sports School significantly contributes to the integration of education, sports, and the economy in the Canton of Lucerne, aligning with a key focus of the cantonal strategy.
