/ Talent development

U15 Girls' Team Visits Prague

After the cities of Paris, Prague, and Berlin first faced off in the Capital Cities Tournament as part of the supporting program for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and invited us to our city in 2025, it was time this year for the Berlin U15 girls’ team to visit the Czech capital, Prague. A total of 14 players born in 2011 and two born in 2012, from nine different clubs, had the opportunity to gain valuable experiences both on and off the field.

In addition to two days of tournament play, a packed schedule was on the agenda. On their day off, they explored Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town; furthermore, the three associations attended Sparta Prague’s match on the final evening.

Match Day 1: Berlin Gets Off to a Strong Start

In the opening match between Berlin and Paris, spectators at SK Prosek Stadium saw two teams playing with open hearts. After a first half that could just as easily have ended 5-5, Paris went into halftime leading 1-0 and added a second goal shortly thereafter to make it 2-0. The Berliners continued to create chances consistently—Emely Frers was the first to capitalize on one, beating the Parisian goalkeeper. Shortly after, it was the alert Amélie Doganer who won the ball herself in the opponent’s half and equalized with 10 minutes remaining. At the final whistle, Berlin still had a chance to win the game: however, the Parisian goalkeeper came out on top in the one-on-one situation. In the ensuing penalty shootout (as a tiebreaker in the event of a tie in points and goals), Berlin kept their composure and won with their seventh shooter.

Shortly thereafter, Berlin faced the hosts and, despite falling behind early, played an even—if somewhat chance-deficient—first half. In the second half, the players paid the price for the high tempo of both games. Despite a solid defensive performance, the Prague team scored three more goals for a final score of 0-4. The decisive factor in the goals conceded was primarily a lack of concentration when in possession of the ball.

The third match of the day between Paris and Prague ended 3-0 in favor of the hosts.

Matchday 2: A Mirror Image of the First Day

On the second matchday, the very first game against Paris was a decisive match for second place and would determine whether a challenge for the top of the table was still possible. Neither team gave an inch, resulting in a fast-paced, physical contest. There were minor chances on both sides, and Berlin’s 1-0 lead came from a penalty kick converted by Amélie Doganer two minutes before halftime. The Berliners were unable to hold onto this lead: Paris equalized ten minutes before the end of the game, meaning the second match also ended in a draw.

In the second match of the day, Paris and Prague drew 1-1. This made it clear that Berlin had to win the final match to secure second place. Motivation was not lacking, but in the end, so was stamina. Prague dominated the BFV squad and remained undefeated in the tournament with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

A group of young soccer players in light blue jerseys on a lawn in front of some houses; in the center, a person in a yellow goalkeeper's uniform; a cloudy sky.
The Berlin U15 girls' team played against Paris and Prague in the tournament. Photo: BFV

Association Sports Instructor Falko Grothe:

“We had intense, fast-paced games with fierce competition, in which our players showed passion, enthusiasm, and team spirit. In the close matches against Paris, we lacked that final push to seal the victory. Against Prague, we gave it our all as a team on the field, but over those two days we had to admit defeat to the better team and deserved tournament champions. The players represented Berlin excellently on the field, but also with their open and positive demeanor off the field. It was also a great experience for them to compete at this international level, as well as to get to know the city and elite athletes from other countries. We would like to thank the Prague Association for the organization and this opportunity.”

The tournament’s best goalkeeper was Luise Sperfeld from Berlin. The top scorer came from Prague, and the best player of the tournament from Paris.

The players were provided by: 1.FC Union Berlin, BW Berolina Mitte, BW Hohen Neuendorf, FFC Berlin, Hertha BSC, Köpenicker FC, Nordberliner SC, RW Viktoria Mitte, Viktoria 1889

With the tournament concluded, the Berlin select teams are heading into the summer break. The players will continue with tryouts for the new state select and development squads.

Kategorien: Talent development

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