FC Bayern announce partnership with University of Denver
(Via FC Bayern Munich) – FC Bayern Munich and the University of Denver have today announced a comprehensive partnership that will deliver FC Bayern coaching philosophies and expertise to young players looking to pursue a career in sports while completing their education.
Considering the synergy between both organizations’ success, and culture of innovation, the decision to establish a partnership was an easy one for Jörg Wacker, FC Bayern Executive Board Member for Internationalization and Strategy. Wacker added, “We are delighted to partner with a leading university, which has the country’s number one NCAA Division I College Soccer program, making our ambition of creating a variety of pathways for youngsters looking to pursue a career in soccer a reality.”
To further FC Bayern’s mission to foster the growth of soccer at all levels in the U.S. the partnership is aimed at providing unique opportunities for student-athletes a part of the Denver soccer program. Whether it be incubating coaching, tactical, and strategic best practices or partaking in the cultural exchange initiative based in Munich, University of Denver student-athletes will be uniquely immersed in the culture and environment of one of the worlds most successful sports teams.
+READ: NCAA Men’s Soccer Rankings: Wake Forest takes over No. 1 spot
Rudolf Vidal, FC Bayern’s President of the Americas noted, “We have a permanent presence in the U.S., allowing us to constantly learn about the country’s culture of which higher education through sport is a big element. With the University of Denver, we are enabling young athletes to achieve academic excellence as well as the very best on-field development.”
While the partnership will offer Denver students opportunities which would have been previously unavailable, FC Bayern will benefit from the agreement as well. Access to the University’s sport facilities for training camps, collaboration on research programs, sports psychology, and nutrition will help continue to grow the clubs ability to stay on the cutting edge.
In addition, all FC Bayern staff, including players, have the options to complete online courses and modules, an opportunity that has excited Rebecca Chopp, Chancellor of the University. Chopp reinforced this sentiment by noting, “We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of education and by partnering with FC Bayern we will be delivering a global soccer program too…As an educational institution, we will be able to support the club in their research initiatives as well as offer their staff excellent educational opportunities in the U.S.”
This partnership will be another notch on the belt of Bayern’s expansive network of North American ventures and looks to be a fruitful one. The club has additionally seen success with a wide-reaching grassroots program with Global Premier Soccer and more recently an elite player development program with MLS side, FC Dallas. The German giants also have presence at one of the highest academic levels through a partnership with Columbia University, supporting the curriculum of their Sports Management Master’s program.
