Hungarian Championship. Second U19 League
The Hungarian U19 Second League Championship (NB II U19) is a cornerstone of the nation's youth football development, featuring promising talents from NB II club academies and regional hubs. It bridges the gap between junior levels and senior professional play, emphasizing skill-building amid competitive fixtures and structured training regimens championed by the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ).
History and foundation
Launched in the 1990s amid post-communist football reforms, the league evolved with the NB II integration in the 2010s, boosting rivalry. Highlights include Ferencváros U19's 2018 invincible streak of 15 wins; the 2022 match-fixing scandal that spurred stricter oversight. Teams like Vidi U19 and Nyíregyháza Spartacus have dominated, nurturing national team prospects.
Tournament format
Comprising 16-18 teams split into Western and Eastern conferences (8-9 each), clubs play a double round-robin (30-34 matches). Top-4 from each advance to promotion playoffs for NB I U19, while bottom sides face relegation. Foreign player caps limit to 3 per squad. Season runs August to May with a winter break, on academy grounds.
Interesting facts
Matches average 3.2-3.5 goals, fueled by Hungary's flair for long-range shots and set-pieces. Top scorers: Mark Koch (Puskás Academy) with 28 goals in 30 games (2022/23). Standouts include Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, ex-Liefering via youth), Roland Sallai (Freiburg), and Zoltán Kozák (Nyíregyháza's 22-goal ace). Technically gifted midfielders like Balázs Dárdai (Hertha Berlin) shine here.