VfB are currently active on the international front, not only in locations like Madrid and Turin in the Champions League, but also in South Korea. As part of a youth football and cultural programme, Stuttgart youth coaches have spent ten days in east Asia, holding training sessions, training coaches and working intensively with talented local players, coaches and partners.
The ‘Porsche Do Dream’ social campaign is jointly run by Porsche Korea – to mark its tenth anniversary – and the ISEA (International Sports Exchange Association), and is focusing on developing young talents. The goal is to reach as many young people as possible in South Korea via football camps, giving them a closer insight into VfB football and helping them to follow their dreams. A particular highlight of the campaign will be when no fewer than 12 players and two coaches travel to Stuttgart in November as part of the partnership to get a real feel of how German football works.
Introduction to VfB Stuttgart and academy mindset for young footballers
The VfB Stuttgart Youth Football Camp, in conjunction with the ISEA, was held in South Korea for the second time this year. Professional VfB coaches carried out a football training programme on site based on the VfB philosophy. As well as technical and tactical training sessions, the programme covered information on the Bundesliga, Stuttgart as a city and state capital, and even a few German lessons.
As was the case with the first VfB Stuttgart Youth Football Camp in May, the aim of the measures was to select talented players who would go on to spend a week in Germany. VfB coaches Matthias Brosamer, Micha Gühring and Björn Peter found that there was plenty of passion for football in South Korea, and an abundance of talent too. The focus was not purely on scouting, however, but included cultural exchanges, character-building among players and sharing method-based approaches among coaches for how to set up training sessions.
Three October camps held in different districts in and around Seoul
The VfB Stuttgart Youth Football Camps were once again a real success, with over 200 kids from years five and six taking part. The events were held between 12 – 18 October 2024 at the Namyangju Eco Land, the Hanam Sports Complex and the Songpa Women’s Soccer Stadium.
Twelve children who were selected from the first two camps will be travelling to Germany from 6 – 12 November 2024 to make their dream come true. They will get to attend a VfB home game, take part in team training sessions and compare their skills with those of the VfB, SC Freiburg and Stuttgarter Kickers youth teams.
“South Korean football is providing a growing number of top players for the European market,” said Rouven Kasper, VfB’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer. “The enthusiasm and discipline in Korean football align perfectly with our values. Together with Porsche and the ISEA, we are looking to continue our presence in the South Korean market as well as giving the kids and coaches an unforgettable week in Stuttgart in November.”
“It is really significant that VfB, who like Porsche call Stuttgart their home, are offering regular training opportunities and international football camps over here,” Mathias Busse, CEO of Porsche Korea, added. “I hope that the ‘Porsche Turbo For Dream – Football’ campaign will encourage talented local footballers to grow up into players on the world stage.”
