Gearing Up for Another Thrilling ELF Season with Berlin Thunder
Berlin Thunder makes its debut in the latest ELF season - Thunder Club of Berlin kicking off the upcoming competition season
Ready for some gridiron action? This season, the Berlin Thunder, our beloved American Football team, packs a punch and faces an intriguing challenge in the European League of Football (ELF). On the 13th of this month, at 1pm CET, the legendary Thunder takes on their rivals, Cologne Centurions, to kick off their fifth ELF season.
You recognize the name, Jag Bal, right? He's our head coach, freshly back on the Spree River, after the surprise departure of Dean Cokinos. Bal, a 40-year-old former coach, will be working hard to establish a solid foundation, as he confessed, "I didn't have the luxury to craft the system I envisioned." Bal has previously coached the Thunder during their initial ELF season.
You've got talent, but who's staying?
As the new season shapes up, we're excited about the potential on the field. Veteran quarterback, Jakeb Sullivan, returns, and while our star wide receiver, Aaron Jackson, has temporarily left us for the Berlin Rebels in the GFL, we still have veteran defensive back Moritz Thiele and wide receiver Nicolai Schumann from the 2021 roster. The sad news is that our defensive linchpin, Kyle Kitchens, has moved to the Hamburg Sea Devils, a division rival.
The North Division also boasts the Rhein Fire and the newly-formed Nordic Storm. The Thunder faced significant changes after the 2024 season. The positive impact of these transformations remains uncertain, but it's worth noting that former NFL player, Bjoern Werner, has stepped down from his role as shareholder and sports director. Today, Ulrich W. Kramer and Rachid Moka hold the reigns as managing directors.
Is Preussenstadion in dire need of an upgrade?
The choice of the Preussenstadion in Berlin-Lankwitz might seem like a step backward considering its urgent need for a makeover. The stadium is dilapidated, and plans for renovation have yet to materialize. By Sunday, seats should be installed, so let's say goodbye to those beer benches, as coach Jag Bal confirmed. The Thunder has signed a three-year contract with BFC Preussen for stadium use, with acceptance becoming necessary as the large stadium in Jahn-Sportpark is no longer available to us, with demolition commencement slated for fall 2024.
Heiner Spannuth, deputy press spokesman for the Berlin Senate Administration for Internal and Sports Affairs, reported that no application for alternative state-owned sports facilities was submitted, and he remained tight-lipped about any rental debts the Thunder might incur.
- Football
- Berlin
- Sports
- Preussenstadion
- American Football
- Cologne Centurions
Football season is upon us, and the Berlin Thunder is gearing up to tackle the challenge as they prepare to face the Cologne Centurions. Despite the changes and departures, the team is determined to hold onto their strong foundation and perform well at the dilapidated Preussenstadion in Berlin, their new home for the next three years. However, amidst the excitement, it seems the Thunder might be struggling financially, as no application for alternative state-owned sports facilities has been made, and questions about potential rental debts linger. As for Jag Bal, the head coach, he admitted his hands are tied, confessing, "I'm not going to be able to do this the way I want to."
