TuS Kleefeld

In 1888, a seed was planted in Hanover’s Kleefeld district. This seed was the Turnverein Kleefeld, a gymnastics club. Little did they know this seed would blossom into the vibrant TuS Kleefeld we know today. TuS Kleefeld’s story isn’t just about sport. It’s a reflection of the community’s resilience. In 1919, a football division was added, later becoming the FC 1919 Kleefeld. After World War II, these two clubs reunited, forming the Turn- und Sportverein Kleefeld, or TuS Kleefeld, on November 18, 1945. The club quickly rose through the ranks, playing in the second-tier Landesliga Hannover from 1947 to 1949. They even narrowly missed qualifying for the Amateuroberliga Niedersachsen. TuS Kleefeld experienced both triumphs and setbacks. They celebrated a vice-championship in 1961. They reached the Verbandsliga Süd in 1965, remaining there until 1971. Then a downturn led them to the Kreisklasse by 1976. A resurgence in 2006 brought them back to the Bezirksoberliga Hannover. More recently, they climbed back to the Kreisliga in 2017. Beyond the scores and standings, TuS Kleefeld is rich with anecdotes. From 1974 to 1983, German national player Walter Rodekamp ran the club’s restaurant. Another player, Oliver Stoecking, even played in both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga for Hannover 96. Even the club’s home has a story. The move to Kleestraße in the 1970s marked a new era. The clubhouse, built in a mere 39 days, became a community hub. Tragically, it burned down in 1983, but like the club itself, it was rebuilt, stronger and more beautiful than before. Today, TuS Kleefeld continues to thrive, offering football for all ages. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and the love of sport.