Emden Tigers survive first league season with grace period

To read this article, take out one of our offers or log in as a subscriber. All content on NWZonline and in the NWZ news app will then be available to you without restrictions.

Emden – In the summer of 2023, the Emden Tigers narrowly failed in the playoffs, but then moved up to the Verbandsliga on the green table because other teams were demoted. It was clear to everyone that the first season in the fifth highest league would not be easy. Internally, there was a long discussion about whether the team was even prepared for this step. But the Tigers are taking the plunge and, thanks to a grace period, are allowed to compete in the Verbandsliga next season.

Unlike in many popular sports, the differences between leagues in American football are much greater. The Tigers felt this too: in the six games of the season, the Emden team only managed one win against the Union Bremen Bulls. Other games were lost by a narrow margin. But during the preseason, the news came – almost like an Easter egg – that relegation from the association league would not be possible because the Oldenburg Knights had withdrawn their team. With less pressure on the team, the Tigers were able to draw new energy.

This energy was not only evident on the field, but was also noticeable in the organization of the home games. With these, the Emden team set new standards in the 5th league: the match days became a family celebration, and fireworks were also established. On the field, the Emden footballers proved throughout the season, above all through fighting spirit, that they belong in this league. The Tigers now want to use the offseason to come back even stronger next year.

The first goals for the new season have already been set: The Tigers want to establish themselves in the association league in the long term and improve their local conditions. The current squad is large enough, but more young men who are enthusiastic about football are welcome. The same applies to the youth: The youth work should be improved and expanded. This is especially important so that the coaches can rely on a squad of around 50 players, because in American football the personnel is changed depending on the play. After the first association league season, Sven Hoofdmann, 1st chairman of the Emden Tigers, draws an all-round positive conclusion: “I am sure that the Tigers are on the right path to be able to establish the most beautiful sport in the world permanently in East Frisia.”