Shillong-based I-League Division 2 side Royal Wahingdoh FC underwent a three week intensive training in Windeck-Dattenfeld, Germany under the watchful eyes of coach Volker Hofferbert last month. The training of Hofferbert impressed the RWFC management, now he is in Shillong to coach the team.The 18 member RWFC contingent were in Germany from 4 to 25 May and during this time played three friendly games against Germania Windeck (1st & 2nd team) and SV Eitorf. The RWFC players comprised a mix of juniors and seniors players as part of the club’s aim of exposure for their players.RWFC also visited the fan project of Bundesliga side 1.FC Köln (FC Cologne) and shared in the excitement with fans during FC Cologne’s final home match versus FC Bayern Munich. Sadly though for FC Cologne, the 1-4 loss meant a double blow as they failed to avoid relegation, apart from already having to lose Lukas Podolski to FC Arsenal.

The team visited the Bodelschwingh Gymnasium in Windeck-Herchen where they interacted with school students and also had a training demonstration and a lovely music concert at the same venue. The Mayor of Windeck also paid a visit to the team and wished them success in training as well in their future.

Sightseeing tours to Cologne and Bonn also permitted the footballers from India to see a different world and interact with the – as they termed them- ‘friendly Germans’.

Published with permission from Arunava about Football.