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In coordination with the Chinese Football Association (CFA), 20 members of the China U-16 men’s national team have arrived in Germany as part of the latest ‘Bundesliga Dream’ project.
Jointly organised by Bundesliga International and the CFA, and in collaboration with Bundesliga clubs Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfB Stuttgart and Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the players and coaches arrived on Sunday, with the three-week programme scheduled to run until March 10, 2024. Following the conclusion of the official programme, there is the opportunity for two players to stay on for an additional week of training with one of the above clubs.
First up is Borussia Mönchengladbach, where the players are staying and training at the youth academy of the former Bundesliga champions, before heading to another former league winner, VfB Stuttgart. The final stop will be at the home of current league leaders Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where the team will train and play their final friendly match.
Throughout their time in Germany, the players will get to experience what life is like as an academy player at a Bundesliga club, learning not only about the physical and tactical aspects of football, but also about the importance of off-field subjects, such as nutrition and education. Furthermore, the team will be accompanied by five coaches from the CFA, who will work alongside their German counterparts to extend the knowledge exchange to the trainers, too. Off the pitch, the young players will have the chance to meet legends from the Bundesliga and the respective clubs, as well as to enjoy the Bundesliga live, visiting VfB Stuttgart’s MHPArena for their home match against 1. FC Köln (Matchday 23), as well as seeing Köln also play at home when they host Bayer 04 Leverkusen (Matchday 24).
Peer Naubert, Bundesliga International Chief Marketing Officer, said: “The ‘Bundesliga Dream’ project is another example of how the DFL is working with partners and federations like the CFA to support the global development of football with a long-term and sustainable approach. Collaborating with our trusted partners across the APAC region, we are creating mutually beneficial opportunities that not only promote an exchange of expertise, but also help to drive the growth of the Bundesliga to new and expanding audiences.
“We are delighted to welcome this group of young and talented footballers from China, for what I am sure will be a wonderful chance to experience life as part of a Bundesliga youth academy. Many global stars came through this route, and we wish this crop of players a great time as they look to follow their dreams and emulate their idols.”
Song Kai, President of the Chinese Football Association, said: “The development of Chinese football requires an international perspective, and German football’s model for youth development has long been at the forefront. I hope our players make the most of the trip to learn, broaden their horizons, set their dreams and return with a hunger to succeed.”
The latest trip follows in the footsteps of previous ‘Bundesliga Dream’ projects, including the visit of national youth teams from India, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as the ‘Bundesliga Training Camp’, where the Indonesia U-17 Youth Team came to train and play in Germany ahead of their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign. The DFL is committed to working with national federations throughout Asia, creating a pathway for young players to develop on and off the pitch, and forging links to support the provision, access, growth and enjoyment of football at all levels.
