DFL launches a new partnership model to promote young talent worldwide

ESSMA League Member DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga announced it has launched the Bundesliga Football School, a new partnership model with national soccer associations, leagues and professional clubs abroad to promote and encourage young talent worldwide.

Head of this project at the DFL is Birger Naß, who is also Member of the ESSMA Board of Directors.

Boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 18 will receive targeted assistance over the course of one week in a series of compact training sessions and workshops. These sessions are run by experts and licensed coaches from the youth training centers of Bundesliga clubs.

This initiative can be a stepping-off point for local associations to build up their own talent promotion programme or to further professionalize and enhance their existing local structures.

“The Bundesliga Football School is now ready to go and our approach is unique worldwide. Our 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. We are collaborating with experts and coaches from our clubs’ successful youth academies on a non-commercial basis and under our own direction.” 

Ansgar Schwenken, Director of Soccer Matters and Fans at DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga.

After a pilot project last year, the first official Bundesliga Football School will take place in Israel in July 2017. Over a five-day period, the School will cooperate closely with the Israel Football Association (IFA) and the Israeli Professional Football Leagues (IPFL).