German and Austrian amateur clubs grapple with promotion and relegation

In southern Germany, the newly merged SG Apfeldorf/Kinsau, coached by Marcus Widmann and Rüdiger Gerstung, is preparing for a fresh start in the A‑class after a painful relegation from the Kreisklasse. The coaches, who remained in their posts despite a 12‑loss run in 13 games and a failed relegation playoff, stressed the need to rebuild, noting “Wenn du die Gegner feiern siehst, willst du das auch wieder haben.”

In Austria, the season‑ending round of the 2. Landesliga West will decide both the champion and promotion to the 1. Landesliga as well as which clubs will be relegated to the Gebietsliga. All decisive matches are scheduled for Friday at 18:30, featuring teams such as Amstetten Amateure, Lilienfeld, Waidhofen/Thaya, and others.