From Ohio to Brazil, Brussels and Singapore, VfB supporters stay up late or wake up early just to cheer our team on. We count on every fan, whether they’re inside the MHP Arena or elsewhere across the globe.
Football is more than just a game for us; it is a shared passion that unites people everywhere. For that reason we are launching #FanFriday, a special campaign in which our loyal international fans tell us their stories and grow their fan clubs. We kick things off with Travis Haselswerdt from the OFC VfB Americana in Cleveland.
Hi Travis, where are you from and which OFC do you belong to?
Travis Haselswerdt: "I live in Cleveland, Ohio and am currently the president of OFC VfB Americana, which was founded on 17 November 2022 during the VfBinTexas trip. We have over 170 members worldwide, including 101 members in 36 of the 50 US states."
When and why did you become a VfB member?
Haselswerdt: “My family originally hails from an area just to the east of Stuttgart, so I’ve always been drawn to VfB when it comes to football. But I officially dived into VfB fandom and became a member during the 2015/16 season to celebrate the birth of my youngest son. And even though that was the relegation season, I couldn’t pull myself away – I was drawn to the club by its history, the passionate support, and the nearly weekly dramatic results!”
What is your first memory of VfB?
Haselswerdt: “Daniel Ginczek’s late goal that ended up saving VfB’s 2014/15 season on Matchday 34 at Paderborn. The Bundesliga was finally being shown on TV in the USA and watching the players, staff, and travelling supporters celebrate that moment – even though the club finished towards the bottom of the table – made me want to follow them even more than before.”
Describe VfB in three words.
Haselswerdt: “History, passion, and drama. Few clubs have the rich history that VfB can claim and even fewer clubs have the passionate support that this club clearly enjoys. And I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a club that has had as many dramatic finishes as this one.”
Have you ever been to a VfB home game?
Haselswerdt:“The 1-1 draw against HSV on Matchday 28 in 2018, sitting just to the right of the Kurve. Even though the match ended in a draw, it was an amazing experience. Gathering in the main square prior to the match and then taking the train to the stadium was a highlight in itself, but then getting to experience the match live and hear the crowd erupt when the equaliser was scored, it just left me with goosebumps.”
Hi Travis, where are you from and which OFC do you belong to?
Travis Haselswerdt: "I live in Cleveland, Ohio and am currently the president of OFC VfB Americana, which was founded on 17 November 2022 during the VfBinTexas trip. We have over 170 members worldwide, including 101 members in 36 of the 50 US states."
With whom and where do you usually watch VfB?
Haselswerdt: “Usually my family. And we are always communicating via Discord with the members of our OFC. However, a few times a year our OFC gets together at a few different local pubs to take in a match. Even though the matches are pretty early for those of us in the States, it’s well worth it to gather with friends and see if the boys in white and red can get a weekend win.”
What are your pre-match traditions?
Haselswerdt: “Making a VfBingo card, wearing the same colour kit the team is wearing that day, and drinking from my Stuttgart coffee mug (or beer mug) are just the start of a long list of traditions.”
Who is your all-time favourite VfB men’s, women’s, or youth player?
Haselswerdt: “May I pick two? Daniel Ginczek, simply because he was a big part of my early journey as a supporter. But how can you not include Fritzle? I mean, not only have I met him in person, but he’s just everywhere. No matter if it’s good or bad, you can always count on him.”
Why should other football fans follow VfB?
Haselswerdt: “If you like exciting, edge-of-your-seat football, then VfB is for you. And sure, the matches may not be for the faint of heart, but it’s never, ever boring.”