Double pass: Oepping and Peilstein merge football teams

The football clubs Oepping and Peilstein are taking a joint path next season. Chairman Roland Mayrhofer from Peilstein and section head Stephan Schuster from Oepping explain the reasons: “The talks on forming this playing community began in December 2023. It was a very constructive process in which we met on an equal footing. Both clubs ultimately decided to take this important step together. Both clubs contribute equally and we see this as a great opportunity to combine strengths and be more successful together,” explains Schuster.

Mayrhofer: “The decision to form a joint team was not difficult for us due to the long-standing, good cooperation in the youth sector. We have already been cooperating in children’s and youth football since the 2016/2017 season. This positive experience has helped us a lot to take the next step and work together in the adult sector as well.”

In addition to opportunities, there are of course also challenges for everyone involved. For the players, the merger offers the opportunity to prove themselves and develop further in a larger environment. For the officials, there are also new opportunities for cooperation and exchange. “We used to be rivals, now we work together as friends. This not only strengthens the clubs, but also the community of the two communities,” says Schuster.

By the way, you don’t have to miss out on the real sports field feeling in either community: the home games are played alternately on the sports facilities of both clubs. “This way we can make optimal use of the infrastructure and ensure that we are anchored in both communities. We also rely on local players and on promoting local talent, which is particularly important to us,” explains Mayrhofer. The merger has already been completed visually: “From next season, we will be appearing with a new logo that will feature the club colors of both clubs. It symbolizes the unity and cooperation of our two clubs,” says Schuster.

Sporting success in the Northern District League is of course to follow. Mayrhofer: “We are very optimistic about the future. The good cooperation that already exists in the youth sector gives us a lot of confidence that we will also be successful in the adult sector. We are looking forward to the coming season and are convinced that we can achieve a lot together and promote the community of the two communities.”