The E I of the Ahrweiler BC – U10, if you prefer it spicy – has collected something much more valuable this season than trophies: a passion for the game, skill in the flow, and a load of self-confidence that no ranking in the world can fake.
Sure, in the fall things were tight. Third place, a hair’s breadth away from promotion to the performance league, because in this league only the top two are allowed to take the golden elevator upward. Does that hurt? Nope. It was a gift with a bow on it.
Because what happened after the winter break? Exactly: Pressure off, heart back in, let the ball roll. And it did. And rolled. And rolled. Seven league games, seven wins, no opponents to fear, no pressure to meet – just pure fun, dancing through the opponents’ legs as if they were slalom poles at half mast.
Sarah Preußner, Dennis Preußner, Victoria Einert and Jeffrey Yankey – the coaching quartet, who also had E III and E VI on the team at the same time – saw a team that became more mobile, faster, more coordinated and technically skilled with each game, while the fundamental understanding of the game grew on its own. Plus, social skills? Check. No one wanted to be the solo hero; they all pulled together as one. Result? No big deal. Training? Everything.
🎤 “No child is left behind” – Sarah Preußner
Sarah looks back: 29 kids, three teams, one place. From the new season, she and Dennis will take over the E1 with 14 children, while Victoria will be taking care of the E3 together with Joe Yankey (father of Jeffrey).
“Everyone has developed really well,” says Sarah, who is now looking forward to the smaller group so she can work even more individually and pass on her knowledge to everyone. The goal remains clear: to play at a high level, but the children’s skills come first. Goalkeeper training will also be provided thanks to her former teammate from the Bundesliga, Tina Gadziala, when time permits.
Important: Sarah and Victoria stay in close contact to keep the perspective in mind. Because even at E3, there are guys around who are very close to the project.
🚀 What remains?
The E I of the Ahrweiler BC showed in the spring what youth football should really be: a vibrant mix of fun, movement and the courage to risk a missed pass even when the world is falling apart. A bit of chaos, a lot of learning curve, even more laughter.
From the outside, the missed ticket to the performance class might seem like a setback. But when you watch the kids play, you realize: Something has been built here that is bigger than just a place in the standings.
Next season? The guys (and coach) are ready. They can deliver on the performance level. But in their own way. Loud, brave, with heart.
Training before the result. Always.