This past Saturday, on May 9, 2026, the big moment finally arrived. Since 2021/2022, VFL Osnabrück has traditionally used its final home game of the season to present the “Löwenpudel der Saison” (Lion Poodle of the Season)—a fan-voted award recognizing community, integrative, and social contributions to football.
Right in the thick of it last weekend were Aiden and Sonja from our organizing team. The event kicked off with our awareness video being broadcast on the stadium screens. This was followed by an emotional speech from “Löwenpudel e. V.” regarding the situation of those living with ME/CFS, before Aiden and Sonja briefly took the stage as well. Accepting the coveted award on behalf of “Empty Stands” in front of a sold-out stadium at the Bremer Bridge, they once again succeeded in bringing Post Covid, Post-Vac and ME/CFS awareness directly to the heart of the healthy stadium crowd.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive the “Lion poodle of the season”. It is the first award ever presented to Empty Stands and a wonderful recognition of our efforts to give a voice and the necessary attention to all three conditions,” Sonja shared.
After the award ceremony, we watched the match from the North Stand. A special mention goes to the impressive sportsmanship of the SSV Ulm fans and team: Even though they were already relegated, they gave it their absolute all both on the pitch and in the stands.
The “Löwenpudel e.V.” is also continuing its support for Empty Stands and ME/CFS research. They have designed a solidarity shirt, which is now available for purchase on the Löwenpudel online shop:
https://loewenpudel.de/shop/?woo-share=AI0kKAeDD7mDJbNNksksOdFjzf7kfRoQ
All gainings will be donated to both Empty Stands and ME/CFS research. We would like to thank “Löwenpudel e. V.” and VFL Osnabrück for this honor and for a fantastic day at the stadium.