With an action-packed schedule, our newly formed U17s have started the second stage of their pre-season preparations for the Bundesliga season, which starts on 11 September with the away game against Arminia Bielefeld.

Having worked as assistant to Edin Terzic in the past few months, Sebastian Geppert has returned to U17s "full of joy and vigour". The first major goal he has his sights set on is the victory in the NRW-Pokal, which is being held for the first time this year. In August, BVB meet Lippstadt 08, RW Essen and 1. FC Köln in the group phase. "Finally there are competitive games for the lads again," said Geppert, looking forward to the new competition.

He can once again call on Jaden Korzynietz, Raul König, Vincenzo Onofrietti and Rafael Lubach, who were also in the U17s squad last season. The 23-man squad will be complemented by players from the U16s and U15s.

The team will play their first friendly against SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday 17 August at the youth performance centre (NLZ) in Brackel. (wiwi)

Detailed report on the youth website