With warm words but also palpable respect, Ahrweiler BC bid farewell to its U19 coach Timo Uhlendahl last week. During the official handover to his successor Maxwell Lunga, youth director Gerd Treffer spoke words of clear recognition for the work of the 43-year-old football coach: "Timo has proven over two seasons that good training and team spirit are possible even under challenging conditions. He has advanced many players not only in football but also in terms of character."
Uhlendahl transferred to Ahr in the summer of 2023 from Fortuna Müllekoven, a team in the Landesliga. The native of Rhineland had previously honed his coaching career in the youth divisions of Bonner SC, among other clubs – an experience that also paid off at ABC. In the 2023/24 season, he led the Ahrweiler U19 team into the championship round of the highest league in the association – a remarkable achievement in a field with notable competition. His team finished the past season in ninth place in the standings.
But even more than results and standings, it was the development of individual players that characterized Uhlendahl's time at ABC.
"Timo not only gave our oldest youth team a footballing identity but also instilled a sense of character – even during challenging personnel phases," summarized Gerd Treffer. "We are grateful to him for his commitment, his patience, and his ability to prepare young players for the next step."
With the handover to Maxwell Lunga, a new chapter now begins in the ABC youth department – the foundation laid by Timo Uhlendahl will undoubtedly continue to have an impact.