America and the Upper Palatinate: A Sporting Relationship in Essenbach

The approaching US presidential election is not a big issue on the football field in Eschenbach. For the women's team, training is all about getting fit for the next game. Anyone watching practice from a distance would not notice that almost exclusively Americans were actually playing. There are 16 women on the field in black and red training clothes that evening – only one of them is German.

The game overcomes obstacles

In the middle of it all is Uncle Kelly. He is 30 years old and hails from Maryland, USA. Currently living in Germany as she goes with her husband. He is a soldier and is stationed at the US Army Training Area in Grafenwoehr.

Few American women like to keep to themselves, Kelly says. But it was not out of the question for her, the young footballer did not want to sit at home. Instead, he wants to get to know the people and culture in Germany. She came to Eschenbach Sports Club three years ago through a friend.

Once the army calls, it's game over

Kelly is the goalkeeper for the women's team. She goes to practice three times a week. As a goalkeeper, he not only trains women but also men. He laughs and says there will be nothing like that in America.

Coach Tobias Lehl is delighted to coach a large women's team. The 46-year-old has been working in the military training sector for many years. He knows the American mentality well. Although he is constantly looking for new players, he is clearly proud of his team. Because anyone serving in the U.S. military can be called up at any time, explains Tobias.

The Americans play football together with the people of the Upper Palatinate. It's nothing special for the people in Eschenbach. People have been playing together here for decades. Michael Bruchner, head of the SC Department of Sports, said that there is no doubt about another nation here, people live together, not next to each other.