January 7 – Germany is renowned for its youth development programmes, and that is set to continue after Borussia Dortmund announced a new partnership between its Nachwuchsleistungszentrum (Youth Academy) and VfB Waltrop.
The hope is that this partnership will make the Dortmund and the Ruhr region a powerhouse in developing local talent by integrating Dortmund’s proven training methodologies into VfB Waltrop’s programme.
Head of Strategy and Development at Borussia, Paul Schaffran, said: “The discussions with VfB Waltrop were characterised by mutual trust and a shared vision of quality youth football training. We are confident that this partnership will benefit not only VfB Waltrop’s young players but also the entire region.”
With Dortmund’s excellence in identifying young talented players, their methodology will be integrated into VfB Waltrop’s training routines. The collaboration will also include regular coaching workshops and training sessions for VfB Waltrop’s staff to ensure they remain updated on the latest methods and standards in youth football.
Oliver Naumann, Sporting Director of VfB Waltrop, is thrilled with the marriage between his club and one of Europe’s elite institutions saying: “We are thrilled to benefit from Borussia Dortmund’s extensive expertise. From the very first conversation, it was clear that we share many goals. Despite receiving other offers, we chose to engage exclusively with BVB. This collaboration will significantly strengthen our youth department in the coming years.”
Dortmund is primarily known as a selling club having developed a host of players making the club a substantial profit including Ousmane Dembélé to Barcelona for €135 million in 2017, Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid for €103 million in 2023, Jadon Sancho to Manchester United for €85 million in 2021, and more recently Erling Haaland to Manchester City for €60 million in 2022.
With this collaboration, Dortmund is showing their competition that their commitment to supporting grassroots football and nurturing the next generation of talent is unwavering, and a model to be developed worldwide.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1736263085labto1736263085ofdlr1736263085owedi1736263085sni@o1736263085fni1736263085
