On 1 November 2014, almost exactly one year after Jürgen lost his fight against cancer, the first Jürgen Wagner charity football tournament took place – a football tournament to raise awareness and money for cancer research and cancer treatment.
The teams of the first Jürgen Wagner charity football tournament came from the closest circle of family and friends who united with a common goal at heart: to keep Jürgen’s memory alive and help those who are facing similar battles.
Without experience in the field of tournament planning, it was a leap into the unknown for the organizers. With the support of the Soccerdome Hopsagasse and friends and family the first Jürgen Wagner football tournament was successfully brought into being.
In this first tournament 10 teams participated as well as three honorary referees and about 170 people attended in the audience. The tournament was very fair and most of all emotional. After the group phase (2 groups of 5 teams) and the play-offs (8 teams in the knockout phase, the two groups placed last for 9th place), the finalists of the first Jürgen Wagner charity football tournament were determined: The Wödchefs against the Bacudi Boys. After a 2:1 victory on penalties, the Wödchefs won the first Jürgen Wagner charity football tournament after an exciting and close game.
Particularly noteworthy is the team Vienna Old Boys: It consists of Jürgen’s study and work colleagues from his time in Newcastle, England. They immediately secured their tickets after learning about the tournament and the cause it stands for. Surprised by the other teams’ great ambition and their athletic power and they came in last place but received the well-deserved fairness trophy of the tournament. After the tournament they enjoyed the Viennese nightlife.
The award ceremony and subsequent celebration of the first Jürgen Wagner charity football tournament took place in the local U. S. W. pub.