Reserves in Germany?

[hemariva]

How are reserve matches in Germany played out? Are there regional leagues or what? Where do most reserve sides play their matches, the senior club's stadium or elsewhere?

Any specific info about 1860's reserves would be appreciated, as I neither speak German nor Chinese and that's the only two languages their site is in.

[hemariva]

Oh, and I suppose players under 18-years-old cannot play in the Bundesliga, but can they play in reserve matches?

[olafgb]

Reserve teams play in the usual league system with the exception that they may not promote into a pro league (i.e. 2.Bundesliga). Meanwhile there are nine reserve teams in the highest divisions (Regionnaliga Nord and Süd = D3), which is a very big problem as these teams are unattractive for the attendance and they destroy the fair competition between the 'real' amateur teams.

Most Reserves play on pitches with a very small capacity as they simply don't need a major stadium unless the guest team comes along with a huge crowd.

1860 Reserves play in the Oberliga Bayern (D4) and are second at halftime. This league shows the whole pervert situation as the top five teams all are pro team reserves - especially in D4 there hardly is a club that seriously can compete with the reserves.

I think you got to be 17 to play on senior level regardless of the league.