Volárna’s Passionate Fanbase Fuels a Small-Town Football Dream

Kolín, Czech Republic – While the spotlight often shines on the elite levels of football, a different kind of drama unfolds on the pitches of the Czech Republic’s lower leagues. For Valentýna Pelikánová, a devoted fan from Volárna, a small village near Kolín, amateur football is “bigger drama than any TV series.” Archysport spoke with Pelikánová about her unwavering support for Sokol Volárna, the team’s ambitions, and the unique charm of village football.

A Community United by Football

Volárna, a community of just over 400 residents, finds a central point of connection in its local football club. Pelikánová’s enthusiasm is palpable when discussing the atmosphere surrounding the team. “I’m really looking forward to the Volárna atmosphere, how we all stick together and support each other,” she said. This sense of unity is a defining characteristic of amateur football, where the lines between players, supporters, and the community often blur.

Currently competing in the II. Třída okresu Kolín – the eighth tier of the Czech football pyramid – Sokol Volárna’s primary ambition is simply to maintain its position. “The ambition is definitely not to go down and ideally to stay in the 9th league,” Pelikánová explained. The II. Třída okresu Kolín consists of 14 teams, each playing every other team twice, once at home and once away, for a total of 26 matches per season. The league is managed by the Okresní fotbalový svaz Kolín (Kolín District Football Association).

Family Ties and a Talented Striker

Pelikánová’s connection to the team runs deeper than just fandom. Her brother, Radek Pelikán, is a key player and goalscorer for Volárna. “Yes, I try to support him as much as possible and go wherever I can to support him,” she said with pride. Radek’s prowess in front of goal is a major talking point within the community. Valentýna estimates he’ll score between 28 and 30 goals this spring, building on a reported 24 goals in the previous season.

While she offers unwavering support, the tactical discussions are often led by her father. “My dad talks more about his performances,” she chuckled. Valentýna herself once played football, but her career was cut short when football programs in her area were discontinued. “I would call my career a bit of a joke – before I really started, football ended here…” she lamented, suggesting she might have continued playing at a higher level had the opportunity presented itself.

A Football Family

The Pelikánová family’s dedication to football is unwavering. “Of course, we talk about other things too, but as soon as it’s a football weekend, the topic is only football,” Valentýna shared. Her knowledge of the game is strong, though she admits Notice still nuances she’s learning. “Of course, there are some things I don’t understand, but it’s always well explained to me.”

When it comes to matchday experiences, Valentýna enjoys attending games in person far more than watching on television. She finds equal enjoyment at both Sokol Volárna’s home ground and the larger stadium of ACS, though she couldn’t definitively choose a favorite. And when it comes to pre-game sustenance, she playfully suggests that Volárna’s local sausage is superior to anything available in Prague. “I only have the sausage from Letná occasionally, because I don’t receive there as often as I do here,” she said with a smile.

Looking Ahead: A Decade of Dreams for Volárna

Looking to the future, Valentýna hopes to see Sokol Volárna continue to thrive. “At least in the district, I would definitely wish that for the players,” she stated. She believes the team has the potential to remain competitive within the Kolín district for years to come.

For Valentýna, the appeal of amateur football extends beyond the game itself. “It’s the atmosphere and the people around it,” she explained. That sense of community, the shared passion, and the local pride are what make village football so special.

When asked to name the greatest footballer of all time, her answer was unsurprisingly biased. “It would definitely be a sin if I didn’t say my brother, so I say definitely Radek Pelikán.” But beyond her familial loyalty, she also cited Ladislav Krejčí as the best player she’s seen live.

A Call to Action: Experience the Drama

If Valentýna could encourage readers to attend a Volárna match, she would emphasize the unique experience it offers. “I would tell them to come because these matches are a real experience – something is always happening, the emotions are at their max, and sometimes it’s more drama than any TV series. Plus, the atmosphere live is completely different.”

For Valentýna, football is more than just a sport; it’s about emotion, joy, and spending time with loved ones. As the spring season unfolds in the II. Třída okresu Kolín, Sokol Volárna will undoubtedly continue to be a source of passion and community spirit for the village and its devoted supporters.

The next match for Sokol Volárna is yet to be confirmed, but updates and schedules can be found on the Okresní fotbalový svaz Kolín website: https://www.ofskolin.cz/. Share your own local football stories in the comments below!