While the majority of the Union squad are still enjoying a hearty breakfast in the morning, things are already getting busy in the background a few rooms away. Drinking bottles are being filled, training equipment is being gathered and vests are being sorted. Whatever it is, it goes through the hands of Dominik Westerfeld, Union’s new kit manager. For just under a month now, he has been the master of all things and has an overview of everything that can’t look after itself.
The training ground in idyllic Bramberg has been his home and his office for a week. Before a session, he helps the coaches set up the goals and markings, provides cones and makes sure that the most important utensil of a professional footballer next to their boots, the ball, has enough air. And that there are enough of them.
During the exercises, when everyone else is on the pitch, working on their form, Dominik is always on the move, he seems to neither know or need breaks. When head coach Urs Fischer calls for a drinks break, the Lippstadt native springs into action. He always brings full water bottles to the pitch and hands out isotonic drinks. He’s also responsible for keeping up the mood.
After the first training session, which today consisted of various exercises on combination play and goal scoring, Dominik’s second main task takes up his time until lunch. Players and coaches put their clothes into the bins provided and take a new and washed outfit for later. He himself takes care of the sorting, delegates the washing and sorts the laundry for the next days with his colleagues.
Eleven years ago his kit-keeping journey began in the Oberliga. And now, today Dominik is active behind the scenes of a UEFA Champions League participant and has already “waited” his way into the hearts of players and colleagues just a few weeks after taking up his post. Nevertheless, there is a bit of tension in the short pre-season AFTV interview.
“I have to really get used to it here and the first games in the cup and the Bundesliga will certainly be exciting. You need a lot of passion for the job, there’s always a lot to do. But Union is also a special club, so maybe it’s a little easier.”
At the last afternoon training session, there is the usual picture to be seen; drinking bottles, shirts, balls and much more besides. All brought and organised by the man in the background. And if the Westerfeld delivery service is not busy for once, then he watches attentively during training, today for example during the strenuous HIT or a training game in which tactical elements were practised.
The gear attendant’s day only ends after dinner together, and even then he never really gets off work. After all, there is always something to do.
Quote of the day: “If someone oversteps the mark, then I have to fetch them. – Dominik on the subject of fetching balls.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, 01.08.2023, is the last training session for the team. A 10:30 a.m. session will be followed by lunch and a free afternoon.