For the U17 team, the B-juniors of Ahrweiler BC, the first half of the season in the Bezirksliga Mitte turned out differently than expected. Following relegation from the Rheinlandliga last season, the focus was primarily on the talents moving up to the B-youth team after winning the championship in the C-juniors Rheinlandliga. Although several key players from the younger age group had to be mourned due to departures, the team felt well-equipped for the upcoming season.
After the first half of the season, the U17 team sits in 6th place in the Bezirksliga Mitte. The targeted dominance and level of play have not yet been consistently demonstrated, which is due in no small part to the uncertainty surrounding the coaching position. Currently, the third coach already, Patrick Pöschmann, is in charge of the team from the sideline and, along with his assistant coaches Moritz Feigk and Daniel Debus, goalkeeping coach Marc Viehfeger, and team manager Heidi Schulze, is giving everything to stay in touch with the top third of the table and work their way up to a promotion spot in the coming season. Leon Böhm and Cristiano Schulze, two of the numerous hopeful talents from the squad of last year's C-Junior Rheinland Champions, were the only players from the 20-man squad to feature in every match. During the current winter transfer window, goalkeeper Raphael Laugks left the club for FC Rot-Weiß Koblenz. Lars Klapperich has also left the team. No external new signings joined the squad.
The team went into the winter break with a 3:1 victory against FC Germania Metternich II, recharged their motivation and energy during the rest period, and has been back in training since Monday, January 8, 2024. This preparation consists of a series of friendly matches, including against Bonner SC II. The test matches serve not only to refine tactical finesse, but also to strengthen team spirit and regain routine in match play. Especially since the U17 has fallen short of expectations so far, this preparation can serve as the key to success. "I generally think that we are a willing group that learns quickly," says coach Pöschmann, looking forward to the second half of the season with optimism despite all the difficulties so far.
The B-youth team will be away at JSG Moseltal for the opening match of the second half of the season on February 21, 2024. The team will play its first home match on March 9, 2024, at 5 p.m. on the Ersdorf artificial turf pitch against JSG Vordereifel from Mayen. The team hopes for extensive support and is determined to shape the upcoming phase of the season according to its goals – to deliver the best possible performance in every game. (luis loth)