April 2 – After a year-long pilot project, the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga has launched its Bundesliga Football School as a “new partnership model” to develop young talent and promote competitive football in the Bundesliga’s target markets worldwide.
The DFL says the schools are operated on a non-commercial basis within the markets, working with national soccer associations, soccer leagues and professional clubs to develop players locally.
The Bundesliga Soccer Schools are a DFL initiative rather than a club initiative but use Bundesliga club coaches to run sessions and education programmes. A typical week long course allows boys and girls aged between 13 and 18 to be coached in a series of training sessions and workshops, “enabling them to showcase their talents,” said a DFL press release.
The schools can be a starting point for leagues and clubs to build their own youth development structures, or as a knowledge base for existing schemes.
“The Bundesliga Football School is now ready to go and our approach is unique worldwide,” says Ansgar Schwenken, Director of Soccer Matters and Fans at DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga. “Our particular aim is to encourage professional soccer structures and foster local talent in different countries. The Bundesliga Football School sees itself as an ambassador for the Bundesliga, and for its values and quality.”
The first official Bundesliga Football School will take place in Israel in July with the Israel Football Association (IFA) and the 14-club Israeli Professional Football Leagues (IPFL). The programme will enable up to 100 of best 13-to-18-year-old players to take part in training sessions and courses over a five-day period.
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