There's a fever going around, and not of the Spring variety. It's Pitch Fever.
It's about football, and all the excitement and trepidation that abounds depending on your team's position in the table.
For me, since 2016, my team has been 2. Bundesliga's FC St. Pauli (FCSP). And for the first time since the 2009-10 season when they last were up for promotion, they are serious contenders to move up again to the Bundesliga, Germany's top league where teams like Bayern Munich and Dortmund thrive.
Being at or near the top of the table for much of the season sparks a healthy cross section of opinion in our FCSP Toronto supporters group. Some say it's a good thing, a sign of a healthy team and organization. Others worry this kind of success might corrupt the ethos of one of the most socially responsible teams on Earth.
You may not know that FCSP espouses a very progressive, inclusive social platform, taking firm, expressive stands against homophobia, fascism, sexism, racism, hate, while supporting refugees and other communities in need.
But with success of the football kind comes things like increased TV and merchandise money, notoriety and attention, which can have positive and negative effects depending on the constitution of the players and organization.
I choose to believe that FCSP, Kiezkicker, Boys in Brown (yes brown and white are the team's home colours) will have a positive influence in the top league if they move up. It's a great feeling seeing the team's captain sporting a rainbow flag armband and to witness the progressive chants and signs of supporters at home and away matches.
I believe this because, like the mantra that repeats in Wrexham A.F.C. documentary series I'm addicted to, it's all about the community. Home or abroad, FCSP supporters complete the team and organization, and are integral to its success.
Regardless of promotion or the status quo, I am pleased to follow this incredible organization and all its facets.
I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more FC St. Pauli football.
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