By Michael Lachman
Once a week, BZ employee Michael Lachmann writes about stories from Berlin amateur football.
Advent in football is no picnic. Not for the players. And neither for the fans. Can you believe me I know what I’m talking about.
Football as an outdoor sport has advantages and disadvantages. “The boy needs some fresh air,” I blare down the hallway and let the door slam shut. Fresh air is good and healthy. But in November? You have to pay close attention to the dress code. Applies to me as a lapwing, as well as to the others I watch doing sports.
My advantage: Warm clothing. At this time of year I usually move around the sports field, wrapped up like a Michelin man. Looks cute. “Got your furry animal with you again,” teases a buddy and points to the rabbit imitation on the edge of my hood, which would withstand any Arctic expedition. The main thing is warm.
For the playing staff it looks different. Jersey, shorts, socks and not very warm shoes – that’s all. I noticed that nowadays there are usually only short-sleeved jerseys. If you like it warmer, you can wear a long-sleeved functional shirt underneath.
Luckily I used to be a goalkeeper. I was allowed to wear long trousers with impunity. And gloves!
Last week I stopped by the FSV in the state league in Bernau. It was great, because snow started to fall punctually an hour before the start of the game against Neustadt. The classic, because the game took place on artificial turf. You could have thrown a pound of soft soap on the pitch – the main thing is that it’s slippery.
I was able to certify that both teams had a stable performance overall in the flock.
While ICH unerringly fished a scarf and hat out of the trunk, a Bernau player limited himself to sports trousers and a short-sleeved jersey. Without underwear. Respect for temperatures around the freezing point!
Shivering at the sight, the Michelin Man crept under the grandstand roof. But whatever, next weekend it’s time to get some fresh air again…