ETB SW Essen’s premiere on the grass against VfB Hilden was a failure. Nevertheless, the club officials and the Mayor of Essen are looking to the future with optimism.

Last Sunday’s (October 20th) premiere on the grass against VfB Hilden went badly for ETB SW Essen. Before the game, the euphoria was written on the faces of the spectators, those in charge and even the Lord Mayor of Essen, Thomas Kufen.

This euphoria was somewhat dampened by the final result (1:2). Nevertheless, the “grief” over the lost points will only last for a short time. Despite two consecutive defeats, Schwarz-Weiß Essen is still in the running for a promotion place.

It is not only the sporting situation that is giving hope at the Uhlenkrug. The renovation of the historic ETB stadium is in full swing. The last few games were still played on artificial turf, but the game against Hilden was the first on the new real turf.

The Lord Mayor of Essen, Thomas Kufen, was the guest of honor at the first kick-off on the new green. “Schwarz-Weiß Essen is a figurehead for the city. An absolute traditional club. They have invested in the future here and we are very proud of the implementation,” explained Kufen before the game against VfB Hilden.

However, the work on the “Uhlenkrug construction site” is not yet complete. The Lord Mayor of Essen continued: “The running track and work on the grandstand are yet to follow. But it will only work if we all pull together. The board is doing a great job.”

Tim Schneider is enthusiastic about the situation in Essen

At VfB Hilden, these opportunities do not exist. Although the club has been one of the top teams in the Oberliga Niederrhein for several years, promotion to the Regionalliga is not in sight.

Hilden coach Tim Schneider explained: “Unfortunately, the city does not give us the opportunity to advance, but I am very impressed with what is happening here at the Uhlenkrug. The club has staff everywhere and the structure works. We have been coming here for years and if you take a look, it’s really great. As a player, I would certainly feel comfortable here. I would like to see ETB promoted.”