A full field, clear winners: the KEEPERbattle in St. Pölten
On Saturday, 20 June 2026, the KEEPERbattle took place in St. Pölten. Thirty-eight young goalkeepers from Austria and beyond, divided across three pitches and three age groups, born between 2009 and 2018. Organisers: KEEPER Academy, in collaboration with KEEPERsport. Kick-off was at 10.00 sharp. The event finished shortly before 16.00. In between: 135 matches, no teams, no excuses.
Goalkeeper versus goalkeeper. 1-on-1. Until 5 goals or the final whistle. That’s how simple the principle is. That’s how clear the dynamics are on the pitch.
The final, which looked like a close contest on paper
Court 2 hosted the closest final of the day. Sebastian Stadler and Anes Busatlic, both of whom had stormed through their group stages, faced each other in the Rising Stars (2013–2015) final. Stadler came out on top: 5–4. Behind them, Jason-John Longhino claimed bronze with a 4–2 victory over Petrosyan Hamlet.
On Court 3, Fabian Hartl dominated the group stage like no other: six matches, six wins, 30 goals. In the Future Stars (2009–2011) final, he faced Joshua Kern. Kern turned the match around: 5–3. Third place went to Emil Özelt, who defeated Simon Samer 5–2 in the third-place play-off.
Court 1, the Young Stars (2016–2018): Gabriel Novak and Theodor Kolb both progressed to the final round on equal points. In their head-to-head clash, Kolb came out on top: 5–4. Tristan Zeiner secured third place against Jakob Traxler.
An overview of the winners
Court 1 · Young Stars (born 2016–2018)
1st place: Theodor Kolb
2nd place: Gabriel Novak
3rd place: Tristan Zeiner
Court 2 · Rising Stars (born 2013–2015)
1st place: Sebastian Stadler
2nd place: Anes Busatlic
3rd place: Jason-John Longhino
Court 3 · Future Stars (born 2009–2011)
1st place: Joshua Kern
2nd place: Fabian Hartl
3rd place: Emil Özelt
Photos by Markus Klingenbrunner. Instagram: soccerpicture.
Thanks to our partners
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made the KEEPERbattle St. Pölten 2026 possible.
Our special thanks go to the KEEPER Academy for their excellent cooperation as the local organisers. Huge respect to all 38 goalkeepers who gave their all, showed great composure and played in the spirit of fair play. And last but not least: thank you to all the parents whose journey here and patience on the sidelines made this day possible in the first place.
Now it’s the big ones’ turn
The next chapter follows straight away: KEEPERbattle Adults on 27 June at KEEPERbase Kottingbrunn. Same venue, same format, same spirit – just a different generation on the court.