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In beautiful weather, the second German-American Spring Cup took place last Saturday, April 25. More than 500 participants and spectators gathered at the Mehlingen sports field: Germans and Americans, young and old alike.
The range of activities was diverse: Right at the entrance, the Enkenbach-Alsenborn youth fire department and their U.S. partners from Sembach were positioned with two fire trucks. Just a few steps further, visitors were welcomed by a bouncy castle and an inviting cake and non-alcoholic cocktail booth run by students of BurgGymnasium.
The event, organized by the municipality of Mehlingen, the Spielvereinigung NMB-Mehlingen, the state program “Welcome to Rheinland-Pfalz,” the Sergeant Morales Club, and BurgGymnasium Kaiserslautern, also featured face painting, a human Fossball, and a wide selection of grilled food and cold beverages.
The main highlight of the event, however, took place on the soccer field: Ten German and American teams gathered and competed to win the Spring Cup. At the end of the tournament, the host team NMB Mehlingen was victorious, while second place went to the team of the 519th Hospital Center.
In this year’s All-Stars game between the U.S. Army and Air Force, the Army team emerged victoriously. Beyond soccer, the intercultural aspect was central for many participants. Germans and Americans came together at numerous spots, had fun together and exchanged ideas.
Brigadier General John Stanley, Commanding General of the 7th Mission Support Command and Deputy Commanding General of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, explained that he was impressed by the positive spirit of welcome from the German side.
“I love it!” he enthused about his time in Germany. “This Spring Cup is great! Kaiserslautern is as well and this area is very welcoming. It’s beautiful and the food is even better. I’m really enjoying this!” He exclaimed.
Asked about the importance of events like the Spring Cup General Stanley said: “I think these events that we hold and sports are a good way to bring people together.“ „I think it’s really important that we participate, it helps with communication and better understanding of each other, “ he pointed out.
