Talented German backliner joins Green and Gold

A native of Buch, an area of Berlin, Grombein was put in contact with UNBC coach Steve Simonson by agency Scholarbook. In a regular recruiting season, university coaches are able to recruit domestic prospects in person, while any potential international recruits are scouted through video. Due to COVID, all scouting was done via video reels, and Grombein’s abilities stood out.

“We are very excited to have Maarten join us here. He is a quality young footballer with good experiences over in Germany. He is a versatile player who can play in the back or in midfield and his has slotted in perfectly to our squad. On a personal level, he is a great fit for our program and what we are building. Once Maarten adjusts to the U SPORTS game, I think he will be a great player for us.”

The 19-year-old, who has a decorated youth and club career in Germany, said the conversations with Simonson during the recruiting period were convincing that the Timberwolves program was the right place for him.

“I had really, really nice talks with Steve. He is a really good coach, and I liked him from the first time. The first impression was amazing. Every time we talked, I felt comfortable. He was the person I wanted to play for.”

A product of TSV Emmelshausen under coaches Thjis Schuttler, Bernd Kasper, Julian Feit, and Philipp Frank, Grombein was able to develop his ball-skills and decision making while growing into a frame that allows him to make an impact all over the pitch. Through training camp and preseason, he has identified the similarities and differences in the Canadian game, and the sport he has played since he was four-years-old.

“German football is more technical. We concentrate on playing football, but here it is more physical. We have to run more and it is more intense than in Germany. I do what I love. Every time I go on the pitch, I have fun.”

A graduate of IGS Kastellaun, Grombein will study International Business at UNBC. The Timberwolves begin the Canada West season in September, and expect their new German center back to be in the lineup. He expects an adjustment period, but points to the support of his new teammates, in a new country, as crucial to his comfort and performance.

“When I came to Prince George, it was really good for me. I met many really nice guys. I live with some of my teammates, and they’re nice people. They do everything for me, and they make it really easy for me to get into a new culture, see some new traditions, and help me in every situation. I really like those guys.”

by Ethan Ready, Files from UNBC Athletics

Talented German backliner joins Green and Gold

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