By Evie Beale and Jacob Williams

Editor-in-Chief and Staff Writer

    This past summer, the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup took place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In a new tournament style, 48 teams competed, with one of them—Germany—having their home base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

    The German team stayed at the Graylyn Estate—developed by Bowman Gray Sr. (former president of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company) and Nathalie Lyons Gray—which holds connections to Wake Forest University. The team’s decision to stay here shocked many members of the Winston community.

    “When I first found out we were going to be hosting the team, I was surprised,” Graylyn server Nadia Pinel said. “As I got closer to the date, I definitely started to feel excited and nervous.”

    Along with an influx of emotions for the Graylyn staff, Germany’s stay also brought attention to the city. For many soccer fanatics and Winston residents, it was intriguing to know that a talented team was staying so close.

    “They brought more attention to Winston, and it was something fun that made the Winston community proud,” R.J. Reynolds senior Mary-Dell Currie, a Graylyn resident, said.

    Drastic security measures were taken in the surrounding areas of Graylyn to make sure the Germans were safe at all times. There were guards standing on the premises of Graylyn at all times. Those who lived in or near Graylyn were directly impacted by the security measures.

    “There was a security guard who sat on the pathway in Graylyn, and it was impossible to go past my backyard,” Currie said. “It also meant that I couldn’t use a lot of the amenities.”

    Even though the security measures made it hard for Winston to see the German team, the community still found ways to interact with them. During their stay, the German team held one open public practice at Wake Forest University where many members of the community went to see them in action.

    “Seeing the team practice was out of this world,” Reynolds senior Alex Kuhner said. “You always see them on TV and sometimes don’t even think the players are real because of how worldwide they are.”h

    Since Germany stayed in Winston, the team inspired more people in the community to watch the World Cup, attracting younger audiences and creating a cultural learning environment for adolescents. It also influenced the growth of soccer interest not only in playing but also in watching the sport.

    “I think it was a really good opportunity for Reynolds because it gives students a chance to experience another culture without having to travel somewhere else,” Reynolds junior Gabriella Long said. “It also shows that our school can be involved with people and groups from outside of Winston-Salem.” 

    Many members of the Winston community rooted for Germany. Unfortunately, the dream was short-lived as Germany fell to Paraguay in the Round of 32 on penalty kicks. While their performance in this World Cup was poor, the “multicultural” experience is long-lasting.