Dirk Salfemeier
Germany
I became a Patriots fan during the times of Bill Parcells and Drew Bledsoe. Later, I became interested in the "Double Tight End Concept" with two tight ends on the field. However, what always fascinated me was the approach and idea of Patriots owner Robert Kraft. For him, the Patriots and the fans are like a family. I really like that, and I find it very authentic.
In 2005, I founded the "New Berlin Patriots" with seven people. Initially, we were an active American football team before officially registering as a Patriots' fan club in 2007. We were thus the first official fan club of the New England Patriots in Germany. To this day, we meet every Sunday to watch the Patriots' games together. Regardless of the time, we are always following the games. In addition to public viewings, we organize events for football fans throughout the year in Germany, such as summer parties, barbecue evenings, or flag football events.
During the Patriots' game in Frankfurt, I was part of the organizing committee that arranged various events for football fans in Frankfurt. Among other things, we organized the fan march to the stadium, which gained international media attention and served as excellent promotion for the football scene in Germany.
Personally, I have been involved in American football and flag football for years. Initially, as an active tackle football player, and now I am a passionate flag football player and coach. Working with young people and conveying the attractiveness, beauty, and dynamic of this sport is incredibly rewarding. As part of a flag football tournament last year, we raised over 20,000 euros for the Kolibri Children's Cancer Foundation, which makes me incredibly proud. In those moments, the slogan "Football is Family" is evident, and I am proud to be part of this community.