It finally starts on Saturday: The U19s of Ahrweiler BC will host FC Metternich for the opening of the 2025/26 Rheinlandliga season. After a turbulent summer with a major upheaval, the club is banking on new leadership, fresh ideas, and a clear vision.
It's a season of departure for Ahrweiler BC. Ten new signings, a newly formed coaching team, and the long-term goal of the Regionalliga – Ahrweiler BC has big plans without losing sight of reality. Youth director Gerd Treffer brought Maxwell Lunga, one of the most renowned youth coaches in the region, to the Ahrtal. Lunga shaped the youth work of FC Hennef for over 10 years, most recently leading his U19 team in the DFB youth league. "After such a long time, I was simply drawn to a new challenge – a project where you can build something step by step," explains the new head coach.
Lunga relies on development rather than short-term results. The seven preparation games, all against strong teams from the Middle Rhine region, only yielded one win and one draw – but for him, something else counts: "Losses are part of the process. What's crucial is that the boys learn from them and continue to work on themselves. And I see us on a good path there."
Lunga is supported by two confidants who couldn't be more different. On the one hand, there's team coordinator Markus Tempel, an old companion who provides crucial impetus with his expertise as a video analyst and squad planner. "We deliberately wanted a squad of 26 to 28 players so we could work flexibly," he emphasizes. Tempel sees the fact that they managed to attract several promising players from the Mittelrhein as well as from the Rhineland to the Ahr Valley as proof of the project's growing appeal.
On the other hand, co-trainer Rainard Schulz brings plenty of experience from the youth performance centers of Unterhaching and 1860 Munich. His credo: ball contact, ball contact, ball contact. "Every player should have the ball as often as possible – technical training is the foundation. Of course, athleticism is also part of it, but it's crucial that the boys come to training with joy." Schulz particularly praises the team's spirit: "The attitude is right, the character of the squad is outstanding. It's a great bunch to work with, and it's a lot of fun."
Even if the season's goals are stated cautiously – a top-five finish would be a great success for Lunga – there is a clear strategy behind it all: to develop the young talent for the long term at the Regionalliga level. "Especially the younger age groups should develop in such a way that they form the foundation of a successful team next season," explains the head coach.
For the opener against Metternich, the coaching staff expects a duel on equal footing. "We had them watched twice. It should be a 50:50 game," says Tempel. And Schulz adds with a twinkle in his eye: "I'd rather not talk about tactics now – let the opponent figure that out for themselves. But the spectators can look forward to a highly motivated team with a lot of passion."
So, on Saturday, more than just a new season begins. It's the start of a path that is intended to make Ahrweiler BC a top address in Rhenish youth football again in the long term.
Photo:
Maxwell Lunga, Rainard Schulz, and Markus Tempel.