The entire hamlet is jubilant with festivities.
Here Comes Siedenbollentin: Four Generations of Soccer Passion
From the grassroots to the champions, the folks of Siedenbollentin stand united behind their soccer club with unbridled enthusiasm. So, when the men's team not only rose to the football upper league but also clinched the championship title, the villagers celebrated their triumph with bliss.
The Announcer Mayor and His Dynasty
On match days, Mayor Thorsten Haker spins his funny tales as the stadium announcer. "Today, we stand against a formidable opponent, and I swear, we'll give 'em what-for!" he cheers. Thorsten's family ties run deep in Siedenbollentin history.
His pops, Manfred Haker, played in the first team back in '47, launching football fever in the village. Thorsten himself laced up from '70 to '94. The entire Haker clan proudly sports the SV Siedenbollentin colors. Thorsten's son, an architect and fierce footballer, trains the first men's team, while his son, the late Tom, zips around in his white and red jersey, the youngest player in the club.
"Family tradition," Thorsten chuckles.
The League Performance of a Prodigal Son
Christoph Haker, Thorsten's son, played at the state level for Werder Bremen and Union Berlin. Nevertheless, Siedenbollentin remained his heartland. In 2012, he returned to his roots, settling down with his fiancée Katja Fischer and son Tom in the village.
"Football runs through our veins," Thorsten jokes.
A Mother's Love for the Club and the Kids
Katja Fischer, the club's "mother of the kids," beams with pride as she brings the youth back to the village. Starting with 11 kids in 2021, the group has now ballooned to 50 and boasts a diverse mix of members. "There's a place for everyone here," Katja says with a smile.
Promoting to the upper league was no small feat, and Katja remembers the euphoria. "It's like falling in love again," she says.
Club members are more than a team; they're family. When they're not on the pitch, they bump into each other in the village, lending helping hands as needed.
A Family Man Dedicated to the Club
Christian Wojaczyk is not just the father of three players but a dedicated Siedenbollentin fan. "Here, everyone knows everyone. We don't have that in bigger clubs," he comments. The players aren't just upper-league champions; they also train the younger teams, fostering a strong sense of unity.
"If you've seen one Siedenbollentin match, you've seen it all," Christian jokes. But he means it in the best way possible—the club is truly one-of-a-kind.
SV Siedenbollentin's success story has been a slow and steady climb, rising from the lowest class to the upper leagues. Their secret? Passion and commitment.
Unsung Heroes: The Groundskeeper and the Concessions Crew
Remo Zabel, the groundskeeper, nurtures the pitch with love, ensuring every blade of grass is healthy and ready for action. He might not know the ins and outs of soccer, but he feels the club's energy. "Sometimes, I can't help but get caught up in the excitement," he admits with a grin.
Sebastian Ewert and Carina Mans keep the crowd fueled and hydrated, operating the snack bars and souvenir stands. They may miss out on some on-field action, but they're all ears for updates from passionate fans.
The club's sponsors are the unseen forces that make it all possible. Companies like Andresen farming operation support the team financially, but they also provide invaluable resources such as parking spaces, machinery, and even sponsored the team's celebratory carriage ride after their promotion match.
"I'm proud to be part of this community," Thea von Hartz, the farm operation's manager, says. "It's more than just a football club. It's a home where everyone feels valued and included."
The future looks bright for SV Siedenbollentin. Coach Christoph Haker aims to establish the club as forces to be reckoned with in their new league and build on their regional momentum. "We've tasted success, and now we hunger for more," Christoph declares with a determined glint in his eye. Keep your eyes on Siedenbollentin—they're just getting started.
The men's team, trained by none other than Christoph Haker, aims to make a mark in the Champions League, adding European leagues to their growing list of competitions. With his father's lineage in sports and a passion for soccer that runs through his veins, Christoph is determined to guide the team towards even greater heights, proving that family tradition and passion can drive success.
As the club's profile continues to rise, the villagers of Siedenbollentin remain as united as ever, backing their Champions League contenders with the same fervor that has carried them from the grassroots to the champions.
