Most likely, the enduring friendship between two clubs in Germany spans numerous years. - This amateur game holds a unique status.
The two soccer clubs, Mittenwald and Unterpörlitz, have been pals since 1964 and gather annually for a reunion at Whitsun. They alternate the location, visiting Mittenwald one year and Unterpörlitz the next. The reunion covers a variety of activities, including two games between the men's teams, joint team events, and cultural excursions.
The roots of this friendship go back to 1956 when Mittenwald's Günter Hönow, who was 18 at the time, moved to Ilmenau, Thuringia, to study. He played soccer there and befriended some people. After finishing his studies and returning home in 1962, Günter received a letter inviting him back for a friendly match. This marked the start of this yearly tradition. There were brief interruptions in 1972, 1973, and during the COVID-19 years, 2020 and 2021. Now, the club buddy system is turning 60.
Jens Heubach, coach of Unterpörlitz's first men's team, is a long-time participant in this club friendship. He started going to the reunion when he was just three years old, with his parents who were active in the club. Jens narrates, "My first memory of my home is the first-team jerseys drying in our attic." His mom and dad were deeply involved in the club, making it their passion. Today, Jens aids in organizing the reunions, and just like his parents, he's passed on the enthusiasm andContentment. He took his son (28), who was also three back then, to the club meeting for the first time.
Besides playing soccer, spice up their bonds with cultural excursions. "We've been to the Spreewald, gone on steamboat trips, and taken trolley rides," recounts Jens. Things got adventurous once with visits to an archery range and a shooting range. They once attended a transvestite cabaret, and some of the players even graced the stage that day.
On these excursions, they explored the Berlin Olympic Stadium with a guided tour. "We took a group photo in the Hertha dressing room," remembers Christian Preuß, a longtime coach of the second team at Mittenwald and co-organizer of the reunion. "I became a 'ten-minute player' on the trips, as I often got injured," admits Jens.
Over 60 people attend each reunion, and this year, around 40 will trek from Unterpörlitz to Mittenwald. None stay in hotels; instead, they reside in the hosts' homes. It feels like one big soccer family. Memories of this meeting include marriages and families.
Uwe, Admiras's devoted fan, has been an exceptional part of it. He has autistic traits and has been accompanying Admira for many years. Christian acknowledges, "He knows everyone's names, Everyone's results. He takes care of the scoreboard in home games and plays in the second team game." Uwe's also part of the trips to Thuringia.
This reunion has stories aplenty. Unterpörlitz once decided to reserve two carriages for their train journey, which included the Mitropa, similar to today's on-board bistro on the ICE. They played soccer there, despite a little trouble. "There was some commotion, but we were not ejected," shares Jens, who has multiple tales. "During the 70s, when we returned from the train station, we left the luggage behind for two hours. My father was in the middle of the suitcases sleeping."
The extended friendship between Unterpörlitz and BSV Mittenwalde may face a possible end. BSV merged with SG Blau-Weiß Ragow in 2016, forming FSV Admira 2016. The new club structure makes maintaining the soul as challenging as ever. "However, it's the friendship and the history between our clubs. It deserves to continue," says Jens.
The upcoming reunion in the 60th year of this friend-ship is secured. The friendship between the clubs is likely the longest-standing in Germany.
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Source: symclub.org
