An historic double success beckons. For the first time since the Bundesliga was changed to its current format at youth level, one club could become champions in both the A-Junior and B-Junior categories. Three weeks after the U19s prevailed 5-3 over Hoffenheim, the U17s now have the chance to complete the "junior double" if they can beat Bayer Leverkusen in the German B-Junior championship final at the Rote Erde Stadium on Sunday (13:00 CET).

Another record could be set, too. It would be the first time in the history of youth football that one club would be the best team at U17 level for three years in a row. "It is fantastic that Borussia Dortmund have reached the U17 final for the third consecutive year. Their predecessors left large boots to fill," said U17 coach Benjamin Hoffmann of Passlack and Co., who became German champions at U17 level both in 2014 and 2015 and recently completed their own title hat-trick by claiming the U19 crown.

image

Hoffmann's charges have shown this season that although they have huge boots to fill, they are more than capable of doing so. They are on an unbeaten run which dates back to 26 September 2015, since when the youngsters have racked up 23 victories and four draws. "There is a great deal of anticipation for the final," said Hoffmann, "because the lads know how good they are".

In addition, they can count on the home support of the spectators at the Rote Erde Stadium. "We want to use the backing of the fans to transform the nerves that will undoubtedly be felt before the final to our advantage. That can give us the edge," said Hoffmann, who is approaching the task at hand with confidence but with the due respect. He added: "We narrowly won the two league matches against Leverkusen 1-0. But both games could have gone the other way too. The chances are 50/50. How the teams play on the day will decide the outcome."

The current U19s crop will be crossing their fingers on Sunday. "The support between both teams is excellent," said Hoffmann in praise of the team spirit at the youth academy and on the training pitches. The youth footballers at Borussia Dortmund are now on the verge of an historic achievement.

Prior to the introduction of the U17 and U19 Bundesligas, there were three years when one club provided the champions in both age categories: Bayern Munich (2001) and Borussia Dortmund (1996 and 1998) – when a certain Benjamin Hoffmann was among the playing staff...

Boris Rupert

Ticket information