Football belonging to Norfolk church found 250 miles away on German beach

The football, which belonged to Stalham Baptist Church, was found on the small German island of Baltrum by Thomas Selinger. Picture: Supplied by Thomas Selinger. (Image: Archant)

The ball, which belonged to Stalham Baptist Church, was found on the small German island of Baltrum by Thomas Selinger, who decided he would attempt to track down who it belonged to.

After some internet research, he was able to get in touch with the manager of Stalham Baptist Church Football Club, Josh Hollebon.

The message said: 'My name is Thomas, I live in the south of Germany near the city of Freiburg.

'Some weeks ago, we went to the small island Baltrum in the North Sea, Germany. On a sunny day, as we walked along the dunes, I found a football with the inscription 'STALHAM BAPTIST'.

'The football was wet and heavy. I asked myself where this ball was coming from, and later I researched and found you in the internet.

'Had this football found the long way over the ocean from Great Britain to Baltrum, Germany? A distance of 250 miles! Very interesting.'

Church leader David Child said: 'I think Josh was very surprised to get the message. I've been joking that I kicked it that far.

'The only possible explanation is that someone was kicking it around on the beach as we are only about two and a half miles away from some amazing beaches and it must have ended up in the sea.

'It is so good that the guy took the time to try and track us down. It is such a positive story.'

After finding the ball and taking a couple of photos, it was eventually passed onto a group of children by Mr Selinger, who said in his message: 'They were happy about their new friend.'

Mr Child also added: 'Perhaps Josh and the SBC team has found a unique way of spreading the name of Stalham Baptist Church to the world.

'Who needs a message in a bottle when you can use the world's favourite game?'