Darmstadt 98 joins the new DFL youth league to give young players more playing time. The 'Bundesliga Talent Series' starts next season with 26 professional clubs.

What is the Bundesliga Talent Series?

The Bundesliga Talent Series is a new competition for young talents. The competition aims to strengthen the German youth sector and provide young players on the verge of professional football with more playing time at a high level.

How does the competition work?

The competition will be played in two half-series. The two best teams from each half-series will qualify for the final games. Clubs can decide how many games they want to play - between three and six per half-series are possible.

Why is Darmstadt 98's participation important?

Paul Fernie, sports director at Darmstadt 98, said: 'We have decided to participate in the Bundesliga Talent Series because the concept of the competition includes many things that are important for targeted youth development.' Darmstadt 98 sees this competition as an opportunity to provide young players with regular additional playing time at a good level. | Season | Participants | Games | | --- | --- | --- | | 2023/24 | 26 professional clubs | 3-6 per half-series |

What's next?

The second teams of Frankfurt and Darmstadt, which play in the adult sector, will continue to do so. The U21 team of Eintracht has been promoted to the Regionalliga through their championship title in the Hessenliga. The U21 team of Darmstadt 98 will continue to play in the fifth tier next season.