TSV Künzelsau Celebrates 180 Years with Milestone Honors at Annual General Meeting
KÜNZELSAU, Germany — April 27, 2026
The TSV Künzelsau, one of Germany’s oldest and most storied sports clubs, marked its 180th anniversary with a celebration of athletic achievement and community dedication during its annual general meeting (Jahreshauptversammlung) held earlier this year. The event, hosted at the club’s KÜNfit sports center, highlighted decades of commitment from its members while shining a spotlight on the rising stars of its competitive rope skipping program.
A Legacy of Growth and Commitment
Founded in 1846, TSV Künzelsau has grown into a cornerstone of the Hohenlohe region’s sporting landscape, offering programs across 20 disciplines, from judo and tennis to its increasingly prominent rope skipping division. The club’s president, Erwin Bergmann, opened the meeting by emphasizing the organization’s continued expansion, noting that membership numbers remain on an upward trajectory. While exact figures were not disclosed in the verified reports, Bergmann’s remarks underscored the club’s role as a hub for both recreational and competitive athletes in southwestern Germany.
The evening’s proceedings were dominated by a series of awards recognizing long-term service and leadership. A total of 1,725 cumulative years of membership were celebrated, with individuals honored for milestones ranging from 25 to 70 years of affiliation. Among the most notable recipients was Hermann Setzer, a 70-year member who, at the time of the meeting, still regularly participated in the club’s fitness programs. His enduring involvement serves as a testament to the club’s ability to foster lifelong engagement in sports.
Rope Skipping Takes Center Stage
While TSV Künzelsau boasts a diverse array of athletic programs, its rope skipping division, known as “Jumping Spirits,” has emerged as a standout in recent years. The sport, which combines elements of gymnastics, dance, and endurance, has gained traction in Germany as both a competitive discipline and a tool for youth development. At the annual meeting, Michaela Ehrler was recognized for her leadership as a trainer and functionary within the rope skipping program, reflecting the club’s investment in nurturing talent at all levels.
Ehrler’s operate has been instrumental in the success of the “Jumping Spirits” team, which has produced multiple national and international competitors. The club’s website details a rigorous training schedule, with sessions held three times weekly at the Georg-Wagner-Schule in Künzelsau. These sessions cater to athletes as young as five years old, with separate programs for beginners (“Minis”) and advanced competitors (“Skipping Wallabys”). The latter group, designed for athletes aged 10 and up, focuses on preparing participants for show and competitive events.
The team’s competitive achievements are equally impressive. At the 2022 Gaumeisterschaften in Ulm, a regional championship that drew participants from 10 German turngaue (gymnastics districts), TSV Künzelsau’s athletes secured multiple podium finishes. Lara Ganzera, Sarah Fuchs, and Selina Ganzera claimed the top three spots in the 4+5 age category, while Jette Wirth, Hannah Fuchs, and Fiona Frank also earned first-place honors in their respective divisions. These results underscore the depth of talent within the club’s rope skipping program and its ability to develop athletes capable of excelling at the regional level.
Honoring Coaches and Volunteers
The annual meeting also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of coaches and volunteers who form the backbone of TSV Künzelsau’s operations. In addition to Ehrler, the club recognized several other key figures for their roles in shaping the organization’s future:
- Thomas Schelle (Judo) – A long-serving coach in the club’s judo program, Schelle has been instrumental in developing young athletes in the martial art.
- Christoph Werk and Chris Bauer (Tennis) – The tennis duo has played a pivotal role in expanding the club’s offerings in racket sports, fostering both recreational and competitive play.
- Timo Bergmann (Badminton) – Bergmann’s leadership in the badminton program has helped grow participation in the sport, particularly among youth athletes.
- Katja Welk
These individuals represent just a fraction of the club’s volunteer network, which includes over 50 active coaches and functionaries. Their collective efforts have been critical in maintaining TSV Künzelsau’s reputation as a nurturing environment for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
A Look Ahead: Building on 180 Years of Tradition
As TSV Künzelsau looks to the future, the club’s leadership has placed a strong emphasis on expanding its KÜNfit division, which serves as the organization’s modern fitness and wellness hub. Bergmann’s annual report highlighted the division’s growth as a key priority, reflecting a broader trend among German sports clubs to adapt to changing fitness trends while preserving traditional athletic values.
The rope skipping program, in particular, appears poised for further success. With a proven track record at the regional level and a pipeline of young talent, the “Jumping Spirits” team is well-positioned to make an impact on the national stage. The club’s website notes that its athletes have previously competed in international events, including the 2018 Rope Skipping World Championships in Shanghai, where Robin Kemnitz, a Künzelsau native, represented Germany. Such experiences provide invaluable exposure for the club’s athletes and serve as motivation for the next generation of rope skippers.
For those interested in getting involved, TSV Künzelsau offers a range of programs tailored to different age groups and skill levels. The rope skipping division, for example, welcomes beginners as young as five, with no prior experience required. Training sessions are held at the Georg-Wagner-Schule, a central location in Künzelsau that has turn into synonymous with the club’s athletic development efforts.
Why This Matters: The Broader Impact of Local Sports Clubs
TSV Künzelsau’s story is more than just a celebration of athletic achievement; it is a reflection of the vital role that local sports clubs play in communities across Germany and beyond. These organizations serve as incubators for talent, fostering not only physical skills but also teamwork, discipline, and a sense of belonging. In an era where youth sports are increasingly commercialized, clubs like TSV Künzelsau provide an alternative model—one that prioritizes accessibility, community, and long-term engagement over short-term success.
The club’s rope skipping program, in particular, offers a compelling case study in how niche sports can thrive when supported by dedicated volunteers and a clear developmental pathway. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, both in Germany and internationally, TSV Künzelsau’s approach could serve as a blueprint for other clubs looking to diversify their offerings and attract new participants.
Key Takeaways from TSV Künzelsau’s Annual General Meeting
- 180 Years of History: TSV Künzelsau celebrated its 180th anniversary, highlighting its enduring role in the Hohenlohe region’s sporting landscape.
- Rope Skipping Excellence: The club’s “Jumping Spirits” team has produced multiple regional champions, with athletes as young as five participating in structured training programs.
- Volunteer Recognition: Over 50 coaches and functionaries were honored for their contributions, including Michaela Ehrler (rope skipping), Thomas Schelle (judo), and Timo Bergmann (badminton).
- Youth Development: The club’s programs cater to athletes of all ages, with a strong emphasis on introducing children to sports in a supportive environment.
- Future Growth: The KÜNfit division and rope skipping program are key focus areas for the club’s expansion, with plans to build on recent competitive successes.
- Community Impact: TSV Künzelsau exemplifies the broader role of local sports clubs in fostering community engagement, lifelong fitness, and athletic development.
How to Get Involved
TSV Künzelsau welcomes new members of all ages and skill levels. The club’s rope skipping program, in particular, offers opportunities for beginners and competitive athletes alike. Training sessions are held at the Georg-Wagner-Schule in Künzelsau on the following days:
- Jumping Spirits (Show and Competition Training):
- Tuesday: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Minis (Beginner Training, Ages 5+):
- Thursday: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Skipping Wallabys (Advanced Training, Ages 10+):
- Tuesday: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Friday: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
For more information, interested individuals can contact the club via phone at 07940 / 9834571 or email at info@tsv-kuenzelsau.de. Additional details about the club’s programs and upcoming events can be found on the official TSV Künzelsau website.
What’s Next for TSV Künzelsau?
With the annual general meeting now in the rearview mirror, TSV Künzelsau is turning its attention to the remainder of the 2026 competitive season. The rope skipping team is expected to participate in several regional and national events in the coming months, with the goal of building on its recent successes. Meanwhile, the club’s other divisions, including judo, tennis, and badminton, will continue to focus on youth development and community engagement.
For fans and supporters, the next major checkpoint will be the club’s summer festival, typically held in late June or early July. The event serves as a celebration of the club’s achievements and an opportunity for the community to arrive together in support of its athletes. Details about the festival, including dates and activities, will be announced on the club’s website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
As TSV Künzelsau embarks on its next chapter, one thing is clear: the club’s legacy of excellence and community service is in good hands. Whether through the soaring routines of its rope skippers or the disciplined training of its judokas, the organization remains a beacon of athletic opportunity in the heart of Germany.
What do you think about the role of local sports clubs in nurturing young athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media using the hashtag #TSVKünzelsau.
