René Weiher, German National Coach and player, sees EBSL Berlin 2011 as a turning point for Beach Soccer in his country
René Weiher is the heart of Beach Soccer in Germany. With 76 caps for the “Mannschaft” since he got started twelve years ago, his expertise is key for the growth of the sport in the country. He knows better than anyone the potential of the most spectacular version of the Beautiful Game, with its unique attributes, in such a sports and football-loving place such as the German territory. As the team’s coach, former captain, and key player he has seen the way already walked by Beach soccer, and he looks forward for this upcoming Euro Beach Soccer League – Berlin 2011 which he regards as a launch pad to a new reality in the sport in his country.
As Weiher states, “It is an unbelievable event for both fans and players. And it is happening in Berlin… For the first time, we will have the chance to present our sport to our people, and we will be able to do it with a top-class event, featuring great teams such as Portugal or Russia. We are always proud to represent our country in every single game, but having the chance to do so at home, is something really special for us. And also for the fans, of course, since they will now be able to witness live, on site and at their own city, the amazing experience this sport offers”.
The player-coach, at the same time regards the upcoming event as an opportunity to show their people all the potential of the sport, and this is something he sees a lot of responsibility in: “We train really hard, since Beach Soccer is highly competitive and we want to do our best on the sand, just as the fans and the national shirt deserve. We want to leave a great mark in this tournament, because, for us, it is a great honour to wear the national jersey. We are extremely thankful for the support of the German FA”.
He is sure that the German fans will not miss the chance of experiencing such a top-level Beach Soccer event, and bets the crowd will boost the spectacle: “People in Germany love Beach Soccer, and I am sure we are going to have a really enthusiastic atmosphere. Berlin is a cosmopolite city and that will add a lot of colour to it, as well, having a packed stand with a lovely mix of people supporting their team and enjoying such a spectacular sport”.
