Teams from Bavaria have demonstrated remarkable prowess at the Süddeutsche Hallenmeisterschaften, achieving one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals during the tournament held this past week in Ehningen, Baden-Württemberg. The standout performance came from the U17 juniors of FC Memmingen, who not only claimed the Süddeutsche Hallenmeister title but also secured their place at the upcoming Deutsche Hallenmeisterschaft.
With a decisive 3:0 victory over SG Germania Wiesbaden, the young footballers from Memmingen celebrated not just their title but also their qualification for the national championship scheduled for March 14 to 16, 2025. Their coach, Thomas Prestele, expressed immense pride and enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “We’re very excited! That we, as FC Memmingen, will be competing at the Deutsche Meisterschaft is a huge highlight for our club!”
Memmingen kicked off the tournament with a spectacular 10:0 win against SGM (TSV) JF Langenau, claiming the title of the Württemberg vice-champions. Their victory led them to a match against hessian champions SG Germania Wiesbaden, which they won 3:0, easily propelling them to the semi-finals. Here, they faced the baden champions, FC Nöttingen. This match proved closer, with Memmingen advancing to the final only after clinching victory through penalties with a 5:3 shootout, following the original score being locked at 1:1.
Finally, with the title within reach, the team encountered Wiesbaden once more, decisively winning the final. “Congratulations to FC Memmingen on the Süddeutsche Meisterschaft! The FCM juniors got off to a fantastic start and rightfully captured the title,” remarked Florian Weißmann, the association’s youth director who was present to witness the events. Post-victory, Prestele set his eyes on the upcoming challenge, “Our goal at the Deutsche Meisterschaft is definitely to reach the semi-finals.”
On another note, the women’s team from SV Frauenbiburg finished strongly, earning the silver medal after placing second overall. Under coach Thomas Jost, they found success against teams from Baden and Hessen, earning seven points through one loss to the eventual champions, TSV Frommern-Dürrwangen.
Reflecting on their experience, Jost stated, “The good feeling prevails. After the loss to the tournament winner, there was naturally much disappointment. While we played slightly more skillfully, we lacked the physicality and decisiveness compared to their team.” Nevertheless, Jost praised his team’s achievements, acknowledging the impressive season they have had, even if they missed out on the potential for the Deutsche Meisterschaft.
For the U15 juniors of FC Würzburger Kickers, the tournament held mixed fortunes. After successful performances against 1. FC Normania Gmünd from Württemberg (3:0) and SG Barockstadt Fulda-Lehnerz from Hessen (3:2), they secured their spot in the semi-finals. Unfortunately, they faced disappointment as they lost 4:6 against VfL Kirchheim/Teck during the penalty shootout, blocking their path to the finals. Nevertheless, they reclaimed some glory by defeating SV Sinzheim with another 3:0 scoreline, securing the bronze medal. Coach André Laforet expressed mixed feelings yet remained proud: “While not going all the way was disappointing, the third-place finish is still commendable for the team.”
Similarly, Baiersdorfer SV’s U19 team also earned bronze. After winning their group with two convincing 4:1 victories, they faced challenges, losing 1:2 to SV Schluchtern in the semi-finals. They finished on a high note, defeating SG Heidelberg-Kirchheim 5:2, showcasing their skill and heart. Weißmann commented, “It is unfortunate both the Würzburger Kickers and Baiersdorfer SV did not carry their successful streak to the end. Still, both finishing third is certainly impressive!”
Looking forward, the junior women’s football scene is buzzing with excitement as the U17-Juniorinnen of TSV Gilching/Argelsried and the U15-Juniorinnen of FC Bayern München prepare to make their tournament debuts on March 9, 2025. Bayern's U15 team is particularly excited, having secured their place with a 2:1 win against SpVgg Greuther Fürth, laying claims to the southern region.
Their opponents will consist of formidable challengers, including Karlsruher SC, TSV Nieder-Ramstadt, and Hegauer FV. Coach Ivon Karras expressed optimism about their performance, noting, “We are coming prepared, even with the younger team members, and we aim to maintain our joy for the game, make Bayern proud, and eye the trophy.” The U17 squad from Gilching/Argelsried also seeks victory, disappointed yet fueled by their previous triumph over the title-defending team from 1. FC 1911 Passau, resulting from their tense 6:5 win after penalties.
“We are eager to participate and we believe we have what it takes to do well,” stated Gilching's coach, Sebastian Pilz. He is confident his team will aim for the Deutsche Futsal-Meisterschaft, which is set to occur from March 21 to March 23, 2025. The pressure on both teams is palpable, setting the stage for more excitement as the best of Bavarian youth football continues to demonstrate its quality and spirit.
The South German Hall Championships have shown the competitive spirit and talent within Bavarian football, leaving behind memorable moments and aspirations for future successes. With the Deutsche Meisterschaft just around the corner, the excitement only grows as teams prepare to showcase their skills on a larger scale.