The U21s of Hamburger SV are making waves in the Regionalliga Nord as they contend for promotion to the third division. Having remained unbeaten in their last eight games, the team is set for a heated duel with VfB Lübeck for the promotion spot.
Recently, Robin Velasco and captain Jonah Fabisch scored in the team’s 2-2 draw against Holstein Kiel II, setting them on level points with Lübeck, who have been leading the table since August 31st.
Despite being seven points behind a month ago, HSV has closed the gap and is now competing for the promotion spot. However, this will not be an exciting duel as the North champions go up directly without play-offs this season.
Cost reasons have forced HSV to waive registration for the third division. The club determined this at the beginning of March, citing the significant cost of running a competitive third division squad. To join the third division, the team would need to spend at least 2.5 to 3 million euros for the season, whereas the cost is currently around 1 million in the fourth division.
Moreover, there is no third division stadium in the whole of Hamburg, and most games would have to be played in the Volkspark with high associated costs. Despite these challenges, the team is handling the decision well.
Junior boss Horst Hrubesch (71) had prophesied, The boys will pull through. I am convinced of that, and they have. The team has secured victories against Hannover II (2:1), Hildesheim (4:1), and drawn with Kiel. They now have a total of seven points, allowing them to target a new goal – to be champions of the Regionalliga Nord.
Though the team may not be able to compete in the third division this season, their determination and talent are evident, and they are sure to make an impact in the competitions to come.
