Rot-Weiss Life

It took Han Balk one and a half hours on the Autobahn to see his German love, Rot-Weiss Essen draw in a soaking wet match against Hallescher FC in front of a crowd of over 17000 at a virtually sold-out Stadion an der Hafenstrasse.

Rot-Weiss Essen are back in German pro-football in the third level after spending 13 years at the fourth level Regionalliga.

Although the support both home and away is tremendous, the 3rd Liga is a tough place to be.

With famous names like TSV 1860 München, SV Waldhof Mannheim, FC Saarbrücken, MSV Duisburg and Dynamo Dresden, Rot-Weiss Essen are, so far, struggling in 13th position.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

©Han Balk. Rot-Weiss Essen vs Hallescher FC.

You can find Han on Twitter and Instagram: @hanbalk.