Sizzling summer celebration unfolds at FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen
A Sports Club's Journey: The Tale of FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen
Straddling the industrial heartlands of Duisburg, Rumeln-Kaldenhausen, Germany saw the rise of a distinct sporting spirit post-WWII. While gymnastics and field handball reigned supreme, it wasn't until the late 40s that football stomped its way onto the scene. A surge of miners arriving in the town following the restart of the local mine accelerated the adoption of the beautiful game.
The Request for a Football Section
With the mine's workforce swelling, the Town's TV was pressed to also accommodate football. Supporting the request was both the sporting and social appeal of the game - providing the often transient and barrack-dwelling miners with recreational activities and the camaraderie of their favorite pursuit.
The Coal-Ball Kickers
By the 1950s, the football department had cemented its place within the overall RTV club. Their early years were spent playing at TV Kaldenhausen, but as popularity grew, they soon went solo and founded FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen on a cold January night in 1955 at the 'Ratskeller' inn. Within just a few months, they boasted a colossal 150 members.
Growth and Silverware
The club's momentous move to its 'An den Wieen' facility marked the dawn of a new era, followed by the addition of a clubhouse in the 70s. Over the years, the club weathered ups and downs, but always found stalwarts willing to go the extra mile for the Reds and Whites.
As the years rolled on, the club flourished, boasting over 550 members and numerous courses in recreational and rehabilitative sports. The youth department houses eleven teams starting from Fuzziball for the young guns to B, while the seniors take the field with four teams. A real standout is the martial arts department, bursting with over 100 members and a plethora of international titles.
A Spectacular Anniversary
The 70-year milestone will be marked in grand style on the lush, green lawns of Wieen with a Family and Summer Festival on June 28 . Kicking off at 1 pm, the day promises delicious cakes, grilled fare, drinks, and entertainment for all ages. Little ones can enjoy a bouncy castle, speed shot measurement, goal wall, and small playing field, while the club hosts a tombola to raise funds for development.
The fixtures reach a climax at 2 pm, as the new artificial turf welcomes the sponsor small field tournament, running until 6:30 pm. At 4 pm, the football and martial arts departments proudly unveil their talents. The festival culminates with a beer garden and festival tent offering good cheer, awards, DJ sets, show dance, and much more - fittingly closing out a momentous seven decades.
Rich Traditions, Bright Future
FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen has weathered the storms to become a renowned sports club in its community, enriching the lives of countless individuals. Its vibrant, multi-sport calendar emphasizes youth development and features football, martial arts, and an assortment of other activities to cater to the community's varied interests.
As it commemorates 70 years, the club stands as a testament to grassroots sports development and the never-ending spirit of camaraderie. Its future promises continued growth, echoing theSkipper's famous refrain: "May those who sail with us, become a part of the legend."
- Despite the initial prominence of gymnastics and handball, football's allure eventually drawn the residents of Rumeln-Kaldenhausen, and the FCRK (FC Rumeln-Kaldenhausen) was formed with a European-league dream in the Champions League of football in mind.
- As the anniversary of FCRK approaches, the spirits are high, with a grand Family and Summer Festival planned, featuring numerous sports activities, food, drinks, and entertainment, symbolizing the rich traditions and bright future of this esteemed sports club.