1. FC Bocholt has unveiled its first external signing for the 2024/2025 season. A defender arrives from a Regionalliga West competitor.

1. FC Bocholt is pressing ahead with its squad planning for the new season. Dawyn-Paul Donner is moving from SC Paderborn’s U21 team to Bocholt Hünting for the new season. The 21-year-old is intended for the center-back position

Christopher Schorch, sporting director of 1. FC Bocholt, commented on the signing: “With Paul, we are gaining a young, very talented central defender. At SC Paderborn, where he was very flexible, we were able to get a good impression of him. Paul is very robust in his style of play and intelligent with the ball. He also has very good dynamics. I’m therefore delighted that Paul has decided to join us.”

Donner was trained as a youth player at JFV Calenberger Land. He has played for SC Paderborn’s youth team since the 2020/2021 season. After a successful season in the U19s, he was promoted to the Westphalians’ U21s. There, the 1.92m tall defender played 25 games in the Regionalliga West this season, in which he scored two goals. Donner signed a professional contract with SCP in 2023 and regularly trained with the second division team.

Dietmar Hirsch, head coach of 1. FC Bocholt, added: “Paul is a young, physically strong player with a lot of potential, but he has already shown what qualities he has in the Regionalliga. I see him as a central defender, where he can play in a back three as well as a back four. That speaks for his versatility and also suits our style of play. I think we’ll have a lot of fun with Paul.”

“The talks with Christopher Schorch and Dietmar Hirsch immediately gave me a good feeling. I’m looking forward to the new challenge and will do everything I can to achieve our goals,” said Donner, who is looking forward to the challenge at 1. FC Bocholt – currently second in the Regionalliga West table.