INSIDE THE FANZINE: ALTER HUT
A new groundhopping fanzine is on the horizon. Four travellers from Germany have decided that their advantures have to be commemorated with the aid of a booklet. The new project is called Alter Hut which in the German slang stands for something that you already know or have seen. German Groundhoppers refer to the stadiums they have already visited as "Alter Hut". If you understand the German language, you will be able to read match reports from 11 countries. One of the authors, the 37 years old Philipp tells the story of the Old hat...
He is an FC Augsburg fan, but he leaves 500 km away from his favourite team, he goes to see the Bavarians mostly away from their WWK Arena. In his own words first of all he is a groundhopper and only then a supporter.
MM: On the german market there are already lots of groundhopping zines. Are you not afraid of the competition?
PK: I don't think about it as a competition. Every magazine is different and we don´t want to earn money with ours.
MM: An interesting opinion. How many of the first issue will be printed?
PK: We are planning 500 pieces.
MM: We know that there are 4 authors, what connects the four of you?
PK: Groundhopping, of course. We all met at football games while travelling.
MM: How did it come up that you will start a new magazine?
PK: We all have a Facebook or Instagram page on which we report on our travels. In our opinion the reports and pictures are quickly forgotten, so we decided to take a step back. We wanted to produce something which you can hold in your hands or put away in your collection or just trade for some other magazine. It has always been a dream of mine and with the COVID we now have the time to pull it off.
MM: Is there something that will make the Alter Hut fanzine special, bit different from the other known magazines?
PK: We are not into the fan scene and hardly ever report on German professional football. We love amateur clubs with history and old stadiums.
MM: Is the zine kind of a travel diary or you planning also some columns or special topics?
PK: Mostly it is a travel journal. but in the first issue there is a book review also, the best stadium sausage will be chosen and we introduce a lexicon for groundhoppers. You will also find an interview with a no ultra supporters group.
MM: What fascinates you on groundhopping?
PK: Get to know new cultures, countries and cities. The connection between travel and football, also having the opportunity to see traditional clubs. Meeting new people or seeing old friends.
MM: Would you call groundhopping a madness? Kind of a drug which all the time wants you to plan and travel?
PK: Yes, definitely.
MM: In your opinion which countries are ideal for groundhopping?
PK: My personal favorites are Italy (culture, ultras and the old stadiums). Czech Republic and Belgium. The last two because of the many old grounds. Of course, other countries have also their own special (Football)culture.
MM: In these COVID-times is not easy to travel. What are your planes for the future, which countries would you like to visit?
PK: You are right, at the moment you can not plan trips. I hope that everything will be reasonably normal again by the end of 2021 at the latest. I personally would like to visit all of UEFA's 55 countries. and of course others on other continents: at the top of my wishlist are Iceland, Georgia, South Africa, Peru.
MM: Very nice plans. Would you describe your best and worst experience while groundhopping?
PK: Our biggest trip was to Argentina and Uruguay last year. My trips to the Balkan have been great! The moments are not nice when plans don't work out. For example, the game between Inter and Samp was canceled this spring.
MM: What websites or comunication channels do you use when planning trips?
PK: I use futbology, soccerway and the websites of the associations and clubs.
MM: I am guessing the mean of travel in Europe is usually by car. Or am i wrong?
PK: You're right. I am also frequently flying and then take a rental car.
MM: What would be your wish for 2021? For the magazine, for groundhopping and real life.
PK: For the zine I wish that many people would like it and that we get a good feedback. For groundhopping is important that we will be able to travel and football will be played again in front of spectators. The most important is: stay healthy!
MM:If somebody will be interested to buy the fanzine, how can he do that? could you provide contact details, please?
PK: The easiest way is to order by email: fanzinealterhut@web.de
Thank you for the interview. We also would like to wish you maximum success with the magazine!!!