THE IFSC - GERMANY 6 A-SIDE TOURNAMENT IN HEILBRONN, GERMANY

The IFSC - Germany branch organised the a 6 A-Side tournament in preparation for the IIFS2002.

Indian football conquers Heilbronn
report by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

The "IFSC-Germany 6 A-Side tournament" in Heilbronn, Baden-Wuerttemberg was a unforgettable football event. The "Indian Football Supporters Club" (IFSC), Germany branch, was able to make a successful start for the "International Indian Football Series 2002" (IIFS 2002). Great help was provided by the local football club Heilbronner SpVgg and the Indian club dem "Deutsch-Indischen Kulturverein Bharatiya e.V.".

Eight teams from Germany and the Netherlands participated in this tournament, which was held in the "Wertwiesenpark Stadium" of Heilbronn. Under beautiful May weather the teams showed their best football, which was enjoyed by organisers and spectators. For the 15 minute matches, the eight teams (Heilbronner SpVgg, IFSC-Germany Juniors, Bulls, Punjabi United, TSSC Heilbronn, Indernational, FC Hindoe und Sandhikta) were divided into two groups and the group-winners and runners-up advanced to the semifinals. The hosts Heilbronner SpVgg (vs. Bulls) and the IFSC-Germany Juniors (vs. Punjabi United) reached the finals. Both teams had very hard and exciting semifinal matches, but they were able to advance to the final. It was a memorable final between the Heilbronner SpVgg and the IFSC-Germany Juniors: Both teams showed their skills and were keen to win the "IFSC-Germany 6 A-Side tournament". This exciting final was won by the Heilbronner SpVgg 2-1 against the exhausted Juniors team.

The Heilbronn tournament was a great success for the IFSC-Germany Juniors. The team around captain Daniel Ponattu utilised the tournament as a preparation for the "International Indian Football Series 2002" (IIFS 2002). Among others the team will face the Indian U-17 national team and the TATA Football Academy at the IIFS 2002. The players of the IFSC team were able to recommend themselves for the big event in the summer. Their performances were observed by Robin Dutt (future coach of Stuttgarter Kickers II) and the local media.

Even the organisers of the "IFSC-Germany 6 A-Side tournament" are able to review the tournament in pride. The tournament was a great enrichment for the Indo-German football scene in Germany. The IFSC, Heilbronner SpVgg, "Deutsch-Indischen Kulturverein Bharatiya e.V.", indianfootball.com and theInder.net are confident: This was not the last "IFSC-Germany 6 A-Side tournament" in Heilbronn...

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