Fitnesstrainer Martin Melchior (Trikotnummer 9),
Patrik Marsteller, 1. Vorsitzender der HSG Pohlheim (stehend zweiter von rechts) und Trainer Mario Weber (stehen rechts außen) freuen sich über drei weitere Jahre fruchtbare Zusammenarbeit.
SWG has been working together with HSG Pohlheim for 12 years. The two partners recently extended their successful co-operation for a further three years.
HSG Pohlheim has played an important role in the Central Hessian handball scene for more than two decades. Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) has played a small part in this. "We've been supporting the club since 2011," explains Ulli Boos, Head of Marketing & Communications at SWG. At that time, the 1st men's team was still playing in the regional league - today's 3rd Handball Bundesliga. The two partners recently extended their successful partnership. "We are delighted that SWG will remain a reliable partner for another three years," said Patrik Marsteller, 1st Chairman of HSG Pohlheim, at the signing of the contract.
From mini to premier league crack
It all began in 2001, when the HSG was formed from the handball departments of the five district clubs. Back then, the 1st team played in the Oberliga-Hessen, to which it returned in the 2023/24 season after a few excursions into the 3rd league. Nevertheless, not everything at the club revolves around the top team. On the contrary. "The 1st team in the Oberliga-Hessen is of course our flagship, but there is so much more to the HSG," says Patrik Marsteller. After all, those responsible at HSG attach at least as much importance to youth work. In fact, no fewer than 25 licensed coaches currently look after around 150 children and young people aged between four and 18, who play in 14 teams.
Despite the large number of young members, there are sometimes not enough players in one age group to offer everyone a team at their level. "In these cases, we co-operate with clubs in the vicinity and form playing groups. We can now enter several teams in almost all age groups," adds Patrik Marsteller. "As a result, we have not only managed to keep all children and young people involved in both competitive and recreational sports, but have even increased the number of members in the last year and are able to offer everyone a personalised perspective."
Sophisticated support concept
A truly unique selling point of HSG Pohlheim is its sophisticated youth development concept. It follows a holistic approach. "We not only take sport into account, but also attach great importance to school and training as well as the early involvement of young people in the decision-making structures and club work of HSG Pohlheim," summarises the club chairman. This is particularly evident in the formation of a youth committee, which represents the interests of the young people and actively supports Christopher Jung, the club's youth director.
The club also utilises its now extensive network for its young talent. "We always arrange internships and apprenticeships, sometimes even employment," says Patrik Marsteller, explaining the concept. All of this serves the goal of enabling the players to train regularly without letting the really important things in life slide. The pioneering support therefore prevents young talents from having to choose between school and sport. "That makes a lot of things easier," Patrik Marsteller is certain.
HSG's very own approach, which is geared towards sustainable development, is convincing: "The coherent overall package offered by HSG Pohlheim made it easy for us to extend the cooperation for three years and thus play our part in ensuring that the club can continue on its successful path," says Ulli Boos, summarising the situation.