Inclusion football: Eintracht Hattersheim unites players with disabilities

Inclusion football: Eintracht Hattersheim unites players with disabilities

The teams from Eintracht Hattersheim and SG Bornheim met in a remarkable inclusion football game at the SG Bornheim sports field. The focus of the game was on a shared experience rather than on the result achieved. This is the spirit that has characterized Eintracht Hattersheim since its founding about two years ago and that relies on diversity and community.

The Eintracht Hattersheim team is made up primarily of players with disabilities, while SG Bornheim forms a mixed team of men and women. A total of 29 players from Eintracht Hattersheim and 19 from SG Bornheim took part in the game, which ended with a score of 9:6 for Hattersheim. Tanja Klemm, the first chairwoman of the association, emphasizes the importance of such events: “It’s about creating opportunities for people with disabilities and promoting their social contacts,” she says.

Promoting inclusion and community

Eintracht Hattersheim was founded in March 2023 to provide disabled people with football opportunities. The name of the club symbolizes agreement and solidarity. This is also reflected in the composition of the team, which has no age limits and welcomes both men and women. The club currently has around 40 to 60 active members between the ages of 5 and 49, who come to training independently and are accompanied by carers or parents.

The weekly training takes place on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the artificial turf pitch on Karl-Eckel-Weg and includes exercises at various stations as well as a final game. Antonio Oliva, the head coach, is supported by board members as assistant coach. Tolerance and joy are the focus of the training sessions and emphasis is placed on harmonious coexistence. A special highlight in the club is the mascot Kayla, a six-month-old dog.

Strong community and support

The club’s challenges are diverse. In addition to the need for financial support to fund jerseys and equipment, access to training opportunities is a key concern. A generous donation of 1,800 euros from Miami DolFans Germany has already helped to achieve these goals. In September, training will be moved to the Heinrich Böll School hall, which offers additional options for the players.

To further emphasize the spiritual and communal nature, a mixed third half took place after the game. This was celebrated by the players, with fun being the main focus. A penalty was awarded, the ball was extended into the goal, and all the players cheered together. The result of this third half was 2-1 and had no meaning for those involved, but it helped promote understanding and integration.

On December 30th, Eintracht Hattersheim will take part in a special soccer tournament for recreational teams in the sports hall on Karl-Eckel-Weg. Here the team will compete against another inclusion team. Anyone interested is welcome to stop by or take part in the training. fr.de and Publisher Dreisbach continue to report on the club's progress and integration efforts in football.