Dear members,
Bundesliga tennis has a long tradition in Ludwigshafen. Our men's and women's teams have played in the Second Bundesliga for many years - they have even played in the First Bundesliga on several occasions. As is well known, our men's team became champions of the Second Bundesliga, Group South this season without losing any points. It was a great season in which a team grew together that really enjoys playing for this club.
The reward for our team spirit and excellent sporting performance is promotion to the Bundesliga. However, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you, dear members, that we are decided have, to forego the ascent. We have already communicated this decision to the German Tennis Federation.
What prompted us to do this? Wir haben uns mit unseren treuen Sponsoren zusammengesetzt und erörtert, ob wir eine Saison in der Tennis-Bundesliga stemmen können. Nach einer offenen Diskussion und allen Abwägungen kam die Vorstandschaft des BASF Tennisclub e.V. im Einklang mit unseren Partnern eben zu jenem Ergebnis, nicht aufzusteigen.
I admit that this was not an easy decision, but it is the most sensible one after all the pros and cons. As a club, we don't want to jeopardize our identity. The youth, the training of talented young players, grassroots sport with all our teams, the state performance center, the sports center for people with disabilities, the team events and the BASF sports tournaments - all of this is important to us. Then there are the trouble spots in the world and the rise in energy prices. None of this leaves the clubs unscathed.
As the Board of Directors, we would like to lead BASF TC Ludwigshafen into a secure future, strengthened and well positioned. That is why we have decided to take this step. But we are already looking forward to exciting and entertaining matches between our men's and women's teams in the second Bundesliga.
- Your Frank Stauder
