Starting the preliminary Round of the DFB Youth League with a derby

In the preliminary round, Union were placed in Group D where they would twice face Hertha BSC. Unfortunately, the U17s went empty-handed against the Charlottenburg team both times. These games aside, the young Unioners performed well, winning a total of nine out of fourteen matches. They also had the best attack and defence in the league behind their local rivals. Therefore, the B-Jugend team deservedly qualified for the main round of the DFB Youth League, with a significant lead over fourth place.  

Renowned Opponents Make the Main Round Difficult for Union   

In the main round, League A of the DFB Youth League, the Berliners started in Group A and faced Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and VfL Wolfsburg, among others. Unfortunately, Union could only secure one win out of ten matches, but did managed to take a point away from both Gladbach and Dortmund. The third draw was the 1-1 at home against Magdeburg. In the end, however, their six points were not enough to qualify for the German championship finals.  

It's Over in Hohenschönhausen – B-Junior Team Eliminated in the Quarterfinals 

The season in the Berlin Pokal ended early for Union this year. In the first three rounds, they defeated Blau-Weiß Mahlsdorf, BSC Marzahn, and Weißenseer FC, achieving a goal difference of 32-0. However, three days after the league match against Magdeburg, they were unfortunately eliminated against BFC Dynamo, missing out on qualifying for the semifinals.  

U17 internationals

With Bennett Wilp, the B-Junior team had a national player this season. The defender traveled in March to join the U17 national team of the USA, where he had two friendlies against the selection from Costa Rica, playing the whole game in the first match.  

The reflections on the Season  

“Many players from the U17s have made the jump to the U19s, and some have already even trained with the professionals. Additionally, many B-Jugend players participated in the performance comparisons with the U21 perspective team, gaining important experience,” summarised André Hofschneider, head coach of the NLZ academy.  

“As a team, it must be said that the elimination in the cup was unfortunately below expectations," he continued. "We always say before the season that we want to reach the finals. In the second half of the season, the team stability of the U17 declined because some players stepped up to support the U19s. From a sporting perspective, there could have been more, but in the group phase against strong opponents, small details matter. It's now also about not resting on our laurels and continuing our developments. Our goal now will be to bring even more players into the national teams, so that aside from Bennett Wilp, perhaps one or two more players can recommend themselves for their nations.”