January is also a month of decisions at ASC 09 Dortmund. First the departure of coach Marco Stiepermann and now a contract extension.

ASC 09 Dortmund and goalkeeper Joel Nickel are continuing their journey together: the 22-year-old has extended his contract and will remain between the posts for Aplerbeck next season.

Nickel has been wearing the ASC 09 jersey since January 2023, when he moved to Dortmund from Wuppertaler SV. Since the second half of the 2024/2025 season, he has been the number one goalkeeper – and has long been more than just a goalkeeper. In 51 competitive games, he has kept 17 clean sheets and has become an important factor in the team’s defensive stability.

“Joel symbolizes our path,” emphasizes Dennis Hübner, sporting director of ASC 09. “He has developed strongly with us, both athletically and personally, taken on responsibility, and become a real pillar of support for the team. It’s all the more wonderful that he has decided to continue on this path with us.”

Goalkeeping coach David Ringel also highlights the Hagen native’s remarkable development: “Joel brings ambition, calmness, and a strong training mentality to the table. He has taken another big step forward this season. I am very happy to continue working with him – we are not only retaining quality, but also a great character in the team.”

Just a few days ago, ASC 09 announced the departure of its coach, which would have happened in the summer anyway. Now it’s happening earlier.

According to the club, the duo asked for their contracts to be terminated early. “Marco and Justin approached us with the request to terminate their contracts with immediate effect,” said Hübner. “Despite the impending separation in the summer, we would have liked to finish the season with them. Unfortunately, that was not what they wanted.” ASC 09 Dortmund is currently fourth in the Oberliga Westfalen table. Magnus Niemöller will take the helm next summer.