1. Herren

 When the doors of the Pfeiferhalle open again in September, a breath of fresh air will sweep through the Tauber Valley. Last season ended with a respectable fifth-place finish—a commanding effort to stay in the league, a foundation on which to build. But anyone who knows Niklashausen knows this: complacency has never been the goal of these young wild ones. 

 With Artur Bialek (QTTR 2300), one of the strongest players in the entire league has been serving for SV Niklashausen since the second half of the 2026 season—a player of such caliber that he can make the difference in crucial moments. At his side is a roster that combines experience and talent more harmoniously than ever before: the loyal Krzysztof Malcherek, who has been the heart of the team for sixteen years and is the coach of our table tennis academy; homegrown talent Jan Fiederling, who embodies everything Niklashausen stands for; The experienced Piotr Bereziuk, who is entering his eleventh season. And the young Polish prodigy Krzysztof Wnek, who grows more mature with every rally. 

 The league itself has changed as well—and quite to our advantage. The overwhelming champion TTF Illtal is history, as is the financially powerful opponent from Kaiserslautern, who gave us a tough time last season. Instead, new faces are entering the scene: DJK Offenburg and RSV Klein-Winternheim. The balance of power has shifted, the field has tightened up—and right in the middle of it all is a team that has nothing to lose but everything to gain. Of course, the Regional League remains a tough place to play. But when the Pfeiferhalle turns into a cauldron, when the stands shake and the home fans cheer every point forward, the small club from the village of 700 residents regularly transforms into a formidable opponent. Many a top-tier team that has traveled far has taken a hit in this unique atmosphere. 

 The goal remains modestly stated—avoiding relegation. But reading between the lines, there’s a little more to look forward to this season. With a roster of this caliber, a more open league, and the proverbial Niklashausen fighting spirit, the occasional upset against the established powerhouses is by no means out of the question. David has sharpened his slingshot. It will be interesting to see what happens.