Local football coach Tuncel, known for his integration efforts, is referred to as Mister Hemelingen.
The Tuncel Brothers: Unity, Integration, and Football Success in Hemelingen
In the eastern district of Bremen, a remarkable story of integration and football success unfolds. Brothers Günter and Feyhat Tuncel have left an indelible mark on the community of Hemelingen, transforming the local football club, SV Hemelingen, from a Bezirksliga team to Bremenliga champions over the past 14 years.
The Tuncel brothers, a family of Kurdish immigrants, arrived in Bremen in the 1960s, fleeing persecution in Turkey and settling in Hemelingen. They lived in a two-room apartment, paid for by the state, with fourteen people. Despite the hardships, they instilled in their children the importance of being good in school and following the law.
Günter Tuncel, the youngest son of the Tuncels, is not only a coach but also a social worker in Hemelingen, employed for seven years at the Arbeiterwohlfahrt in the transition home. His brother Feyhat also became a football coach, and together, they have led SV Hemelingen to unprecedented heights.
Their coaching tenure has made Hemelingen known beyond local circles. The team's appearance on national television and their qualification for a DFB-Pokal match against Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg are testaments to their achievement. However, infrastructural limitations have prevented Hemelingen from hosting such high-profile games locally, highlighting challenges in sports facility development within Bremen.
Despite these challenges, the Tuncel brothers remain committed to their multi-cultural team and the community of Hemelingen. They have achieved success without attracting players with money, relying instead on unity and a strong sense of purpose.
The Tuncel brothers are proud to have stayed in SV Hemelingen for 14 years and to be successful with this neighborhood. Their care for the team extends off the field, as they leverage their Tuncel network to support the players and the club. Their ultimate goal is to make SV Hemelingen play regionally next season.
The Tuncel brothers' story is a testament to the power of unity, integration, and community spirit. They have not only transformed the fortunes of SV Hemelingen but also contributed significantly to the integration of football talent in Hemelingen and the push for better sporting infrastructure in Bremen.
The Tuncel brothers, as coaches for SV Hemelingen, have made the team renowned for their success in football, particularly in sports like football. This has been achieved within the context of Radio Bremen, broadcasters that have covered their remarkable journey.
