09.08.2026
Training Camp Recap: “We worked well as a Team”
The HSV women's team's training camp came to a successful conclusion with a victory in a friendly match against Mainz 05. Head coach Rodolfo Cardoso also gave a positive assessment after six days in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
The HSV women’s training camp came to a successful close with a victory in the friendly match against Mainz 05. Head coach Rodolfo Cardoso also gave a positive assessment after six days in Arnhem, the Netherlands.
The HSV women have spent six days in Arnhem. Six days filled with intense training sessions, hard work, shared experiences, and many small moments that have brought the team even closer together. To cap off the week, the Rothosen rewarded themselves with a 2-1 friendly win against Bundesliga newcomer 1. FSV Mainz 05.
Before the ball started rolling in Kaiserau on Saturday, head coach Rodolfo Cardoso’s team had an intense week of training camp ahead of them in Arnhem. After arriving on Monday, they got down to business on the training field on Tuesday. Amid midsummer temperatures, the schedule began with intense passing drills and game simulations. Off the field as well, important groundwork was laid for the new season. Team challenges, a tug-of-war, and a group barbecue helped create a great atmosphere.
The new players were also welcomed into the team in a creative way during the traditional new-player ceremony. Singing and dancing performances, as well as personal trivia questions, provided plenty of laughs.
“We can play, we’ve shown that all week. It was very intense; we worked hard and completed a lot of training sessions. But we had a lot of fun doing it and grew even closer as a team. That will serve us well for the rest of the season,” said captain Pauline Machtens.
On Wednesday, there was a special change of scenery: paddles were needed instead of soccer cleats. On a group canoe trip, the players, coaching staff, and support staff explored the canals around Arnhem.
Intensity, Team Spirit, and Special Encounters
On the field, the intensity continued to increase. During training sessions, the team worked on, among other things, their offensive play, moves in the final third, and set pieces. Crosses, shots on goal, second balls, and pressing were all part of the program, as were technical and cognitive drills.
“The team has made some very important strides. The atmosphere on the field and off the field was great. The girls trained very well, and the new players have integrated into the team very well, too. It was a great start to the season,” Cardoso summed up at the end of the training camp.
Amid all the hard work, there was also time for special encounters. On a free evening, former HSV player Valon Zumberi stopped by the training camp. The 23-year-old, who now plays for Vitesse Arnhem, came up through the HSV youth academy and once trained under Cardoso.
To wrap things up, another real test of mettle awaited them. The match against Bundesliga newcomer Mainz 05 went the full 120 minutes. After a somewhat shaky start, the Rothosen found their rhythm and took the lead 20 minutes in thanks to new signing Leila Peneau. Mainz equalized in the second half, before Viktoria Schwalm restored HSV’s lead in extra time with a spectacular curling shot into the corner.
After 120 intense minutes, the Rothosen secured a 2-1 victory. It was a successful conclusion to a week in which the team not only worked hard on the field but also saw their team spirit grow even stronger.
“Our legs were a little tired, but the girls played well. It was still an important test against a league rival, and we were able to reward ourselves with a win. There’s always room for improvement, but for me, it was important that we functioned as a team—and we did,” said Cardoso.
Buoyed by their victory over Mainz, the HSV women’s team is now entering the final phase of their preseason preparations. One final friendly against Werder Bremen (August 16, 3:00 p.m.) remains on the schedule before the Bundesliga season opener on Sunday, August 23 (6:30 p.m.). The Rothosen will host SC Freiburg to kick off the season and hope to carry the momentum from Arnhem into the new campaign.
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