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Professional women’s teams often test against B-Juniors – like here TSG Hoffenheim against Astoria Walldorf. Due to the physical conditions, that would be justified, as district soccer warden Jörg Wagner notes. © IMAGO
The decision of the Hessian Football Association to now also allow mixed teams is by no means met with approval in the region. But criticism doesn’t just come from men.
Offenbach – The Hessian Football Association has allowed women to submit an application since July 1st, which guarantees them a special right to play in men’s teams. Mixed teams are then allowed in the amateur leagues. The basis for the regulation in Hesse is a two-year pilot project decided by the German Football Association (DFB) in June. The opinions of clubs and those responsible from the Offenbach and Hanau districts about the change are critical. It is questioned whether action is actually taken in the interests of women’s football.
Pia Emmel, Trainer Mittelbuchen. © Agency
Pia Emmel, coach of the first team at FC Mittelbuchen in the women’s Hessen League, played with boys herself up to the B youth level. That’s when she noticed that her teammates got faster and stronger at some point. “I couldn’t keep up,” says Emmel. That’s why she sees mixed teams as difficult, if only because of the physical requirements. She can only imagine women playing in the lower leagues, where the main thing is to have fun playing. Nevertheless, the health factor also worries her: “You don’t know who you will meet,” she points out. The men’s duels are very tough and she has seen it in her youth that an opponent, after being dribbled out, reacted by fouling the girl. That is certainly not always the case, some men would certainly hold back with women, but “I wouldn’t play with the men”. That’s how it is for her players in Mittelbuchen, says the trainer: “Mixed teams are unthinkable for us.” The men might be interested in filling out their ranks with women if there are players missing, but the women are not. This is also due to the fact that we hardly know each other.
Jörg Wagner, district football manager Offenbach. Q:P © Private
Jörg Wagner, district football manager Offenbach, asks who the DFB wants to strengthen with this rule change. If women’s football were to be strengthened, it would allow mixed teams in both directions: In other words, men would also be allowed to play in women’s teams. According to Wagner, this would lead to more women’s teams. In addition, there can be no question of equality if the path is only opened to one side. For example, while three women could save a seniors team that couldn’t get enough men together, men couldn’t save a women’s team that was missing players.
Wagner cannot yet foresee how the regulation can be implemented. One problem with multi-use sports fields is that there are not enough changing rooms and showers. However, Wagner estimates that the opportunity is hardly ever used in the Rhine-Main area. It tends to affect rural areas with fewer women’s teams.
Dirk Vereeken, district football manager Hanau. Q: Scheiber © Patrick Scheiber
Dirk Vereeken, district football manager in Hanau, is also certain that women will remain “the huge exception in the region” among men. In Hanau there are offers to play in women’s teams at different levels. He has nothing against the rule, but does not see it as a goal if women’s football is to benefit. On the contrary: “It’s negative for women’s teams.” Because there is a risk that the players who have the skills to keep up with the men could be lost to the women’s teams because they want to play for the men. Nevertheless, “five women and six men will not appear together at once”.
Carolin Schmank, co-trainer OFC. F: Herd © Herd, Lars
At Kickers Offenbach, nothing will change with the new rule, says Carolin Schwank, women’s assistant coach. She sees the number of women’s teams in Offenbach as “not so bad”. For women who can’t otherwise play, she finds the opportunity to play football with the men a good thing. But one thing is certain: “Women’s health must not be endangered.” That’s why every individual case has to be looked at carefully: Is the level of performance right? If so, you can imagine it.
By Theresa Ricke
#Women #mens #teams #Inconceivable
