Forward Madison FC has signed Bernd Schipmann, a 28-year-old goalkeeper from Münster, Germany, pending league and federation approval. Schipmann comes to Madison following a strong 2022 season with Ratchaburi FC in the Thai League.
“Bernd brings international experience and has spent some time with us in the past,” Head Coach Matt Glaeser said. “He has good size, the ability to help us start attacks and a calm presence.”
Schipmann grew up in Germany and began his youth soccer career playing for SC Greven 09. The goalkeeper finished out his youth career with the Schalke 04 academy in 2013 before he eventually got promoted to Schalke 04 II, his club’s reserve team, where his professional career kicked off. Schipmann made two appearances with the reserve team, until he then transferred to Holstein Kiel II. Schipmann made a name for himself with Holstein Kiel’s II squad, as he made 59 appearances over three seasons.
In 2018, the goalkeeper left Holstein Kiel II for Oberliga Westfalen club Rot Weiss Ahlen. There Schipmann made 61 appearances over three years and he logged 11 clean sheets, helping him get called up to Philippines national team in 2021 ahead of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
On the international stage, Schipmann made three appearances for his national team against China PR, Guam, and Maldives in 2021. He recorded his first international clean sheet against Guam in a 3-0 victory.
