The annual Fan Club Christmas Party (check out our earlier report) was a resounding success. "The atmosphere was really nice and relaxed," said Marcel from 'Fan-Club Borussia Dortmund', adding: "The fact the players took part in all the activities was superb."

Supporters went head to head with players in a range of activities such as table tennis and table football – with both sides contesting every single ball. "Those activities in particular, plus the Fifa matches on the console, really brought the event to life. And what's more important: it gives us fans the kind of personal contact with the players that you would otherwise never normally get," said Michael from the fan club 'Haarstrang Heroes Effeln'.

Each of the 900 official BVB fan clubs were invited to send two representatives to the annual Christmas Party. All in all, presenters Norbert Dickel and Danny Fritz welcomed 1,350 fan club representatives – some of whom had travelled over from India, China, the USA, Iraq, Costa Rica, Mexico, Morocco, Indonesia, Thailand and several other European countries. In total, representatives of 60 international fan clubs attended.

The festivities were held in levels 3 and 4 of the Evonik Pub Area underneath the West Stand, with an autograph table set up in "Hansaplatz" in the North Stand. In addition, there was a Black & Yellow tombola where entrants could win an excursion in the BVB Hot Air Balloon as well as a trip to an international away game for two people.

"We would like to thank all the fan clubs for their support this year and we hope they all had an enjoyable evening," said Björn Hegemann, who heads up the Department for Fan Affairs at Borussia Dortmund. (br)