Balingen Bucks: fighting spirit and new challenges after their debut season!

Balingen Bucks: fighting spirit and new challenges after their debut season!

The Balingen Bucks, a breath of fresh air in American football, have established themselves in the region with a lot of commitment and passion. The team was founded in May 2023 and they have been part of TSG Balingen since January 2024. In a cozy café in downtown Balingen, board members Samir Hatchami and Nelson Stegmaier talked about the team's challenges and goals. Stegmaier described the Bucks as a “real gang” that is present not only on the field but also in the community. This bond is also reflected in the team's philosophy, which is based on hard work, discipline and team spirit. It was also emphasized that the focus is on mutual support and striving for top performance, which further strengthens the sense of belonging.

However, the path was rocky. In their first season, the Bucks struggled with just one win in eight games. Many players had little previous experience in American football, which made the challenge even more difficult. A memorable example of an unfortunate defeat was the lost game in Reutlingen, which was decided in extra time. Despite these difficulties, Hatchami is optimistic and believes that the team could have competed for the championship, as many games were very close. The pride in one's career to date is evident and work is being done on learning-oriented development.

The next steps

Exciting plans are in place to better master the coming challenges. We are currently looking for new players and a new head coach to further strengthen the team. Thorough preparation for the next season is also a top priority, where a youth team must be registered, either independently or in a syndicate. In Stegmaier's words, American football requires more than just physical fitness; it is a mental challenge that everyone involved overcomes.

The Bucks' ambitions are clear: the championship next season is firmly in sight, and direct promotion to the regional league is a realistic goal. With over 50 members in the team, it shows that American football has grown on fertile ground in Balingen. According to American Football Germany, the sport is becoming increasingly popular in Germany, with a league that includes more than 50 teams and is proudly represented by the German Football League (GFL). This has developed into a platform that is not only exciting for viewers, but also offers a valuable opportunity for talent to develop further.

The Bucks believe in good cooperation and invite everyone to join the team and share in our shared success in American football. “Football is more than just a game,” says Stegmaier, “it’s an attitude to life that we want to promote here in Balingen.” The fans and the community can look forward to exciting times in which the Balingen Bucks will certainly continue to cause a sensation.