Studies and “college soccer”: The 24-year-old will also be drawn to the United States from January +++ Most recently at VfB Straubing: FuPa followed up
What is Philipp Hilmer actually doing? Many football fans in Straubing and the surrounding area are sure to ask that question. In the summer of 2020, the Bayernliga-proven 24-year-old with high hopes switched to VfB Straubing, but so far he has hardly played a role. Why? We spoke to him and learned that he is about to open a new chapter in his life.
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The flight is booked, it starts on January 11th. Hilmer will turn his back on his Bavarian homeland and say goodbye to America. In the land of opportunity, he will study at Fort Hays State University in the US state of Kansas and at the same time lace up the football boots for the local college team – thanks to a sports scholarship. “I normally study English and history as a high school teacher in Regensburg. In the USA I can now take my English exams, which are fully credited to me in Germany”, tells the budding educator. And what of course was an additional incentive: “I can play soccer for the college team on the side. Studies and sport at a high level, in my opinion that can be combined much better in the States than here in Germany.” Through stories from some friends and press reports in various media, Hilmer became aware of the possibility of going to the USA. After all, some well-known footballers from the Bavarian amateur sector have already taken advantage of this opportunity. He applied through an agency and was accepted. “I’m really looking forward to the adventure. I’ve never been to America. In addition to the challenges that await me at college, I’m really looking forward to getting to know the country.”
In football terms, the jump across the pond should mark a kind of new beginning for him. At last it had become quiet around him. Three years ago he immediately caused a sensation in the Bayern League jersey with SpVgg Hankofen. But then the career stalled a little. He was not happy in Donaustauf, after a brief engagement with DJK-SB Straubing, Hilmer was hired by VfB Straubing. At the current flagship club in the Gäubodenstadt, he should be a face of the new way to rely more on local players again. He was intended to play a major role, but so far he has not made a single competitive appearance. What is the reason, was there a dispute at Peterswöhrd? “No no”, asserts Hilmer and assures: “My relationship with the club is still completely intact. I still have a very good relationship with coach Gregor Mrozek and the sporting director Tobias Forster.” What is it then? “Because of my studies in Regensburg, it was just not possible lately to come to Straubing for training. But I miss football a lot, and that’s why I’m just looking forward to being able to combine my studies and sport much better again from January on.”, explains Hilmer. He wants to stay in the Prairie State of Kansas at least until the summer, whether he will then return to Germany or stay a little longer, that is still open. Just as open as the question of whether things will continue for him at VfB Straubing. He’ll think about it when the time comes. Until then, he indulges in a thirst for adventure, true to the motto: Go west, young man!
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