Stolz joins the U23s and becomes academy goalkeeping coach

''We are delighted to be able to commit Alex to TSG and in doing so offer one of our longest-serving players an opportunity for professional development beyond the end of his playing days,'' says TSG director of football Alexander Rosen. Stolz, who has been on the books at Hoffenheim since the summer of 2013, will bring his vast experience to the club's U23 side next season as they compete in the Regionalliga. What is more, Stolz will also work in the TSG academy as a goalkeeping coach for the U14s/U15s. ''Alex has been a dependable and loyal member of the TSG team for the last seven years, and in this time, he's been a key figure among the first team's group of goalkeepers. From next season onward, he will set an example and take up a leading role in our U23 squad with his motivation, attitude and passion. We are also looking forward to developing him as a coach for the many talented young goalkeepers we have coming through the academy,'' says Rosen.

Alexander Stolz started his career at SV Sandhausen before moving to Regionalliga club FC Nöttingen in 2004. A move to VfB Stuttgart followed in 2005, where he would remain until 2012. His spell at the Swabian club included a season-long loan at TSG Hoffenheim in 2006/07. In 2012, Stolz left Stuttgart to join Karlsruher SC. One year later, he returned to TSG Hoffenheim, where he has made one first-team appearance. ''After many intense and eventful years in professional football, it's time for me to look ahead and start thinking about my future professional activities. I couldn't wish for a better employer than TSG and I look forward to continuing my exciting work as part of Michael Rechner's team, which I consider to be among the very best when it comes to goalkeeping coaching. I am grateful to the management team at TSG for giving me this opportunity,'' says Stolz.