Author: Julian
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Our first award: Empty Stands wins the “Löwenpudel der Saison” 25/26!
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.
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Successful End of Season: Awareness Matchday in Wiesbaden
On May 3, 2026, Wiesbaden was the next stop for an Awareness Matchday. In the run-up to the event, the club had a wonderful gesture ready for those affected by ME/CFS and their relatives: Up to 50 people who, despite their symptoms, were able to attend the match in the stadium (particularly those with mild to moderate ME/CFS) were invited to join in the “BRITA Lounge”, largely shielded from overwhelming stimuli. The club also provided us snacks and drinks.
Before kick-off, we were once again present with an information booth, supported by volunteers. During the half-time break, Aiden from the organizing team gave a short interview on the pitch. In the stands, a banner reading “Torn from everyday life, but never alone – CURE ME/CFS” was displayed. Our banner was also allowed to be hung on the fence throughout the entire match.
A special thank you goes to the Ultras from “Supremus Dilectio“, who put up posters for us and actively collected donations for Empty Stands and ME/CFS research. We would also like to thank all volunteers, SV Wehen Wiesbaden, and especially our contact person Leonie for the wonderful support.
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Participation in the Health Awareness Day in Mainz
On April 25, 2026, we took part in the Health Awareness Day before the match between Mainz 05 and FC Bayern München. We were there with an information booth where we raised awareness, collected donations, and handed out our merch. In addition, several of our posters were put up throughout the stadium.
We would like to thank Mainz 05 for the opportunity and all the helpers on-site. Next week, we are going to continue on the other side of the river!
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SV Darmstadt 98: Usual Suspects 2006
group: Usual Suspects 2006, text: “Forschung fördern!” (“Promote research!”)
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SV Darmstadt 98: Usual Suspects 2006
group: Usual Suspects 2006, text: “Vermisst in der Kurve – verloren an ME/CFS” (“Missing from the Stands – Lost to ME/CFS”)
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FC Bayern München: Colegio Sao Sebastiao
group: Colegio Sao Sebastiao, text: “ME/CFS kann jede*n treffen. Support Empty Stands!” (“ME/CFS can affect anyone. Support Empty Stands!”)
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Hertha BSC: Gruppa Süd
Gruppe: Gruppa Süd, Text: “ME/CFS – die Zeit läuft ab! Versorgung und Aufklärung jetzt!” (“ME/CFS – Time is running out! Care and awareness now!”)
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Arminia Bielefeld: Local Crew
group: Local Crew, text: “Vermisst in der Kurve – verloren an ME/CFS. Forschung fördern! (“Missing from the Stands – lost to ME/CFS. Support research!”)
