After the success of last year’s “Bundesliga Dream China” training camp, Bundesliga International and the Chinese Football Association (CFA) today announced the launch of a second edition, which is to take place in April 2025.

The announcement comes following CFA President Song Kai’s visit to Germany, where he met with a delegation from the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, including CEO Marc Lenz and Bundesliga International CMO Peer Naubert. It was Mr Kai’s first visit to Europe following his election in October 2023. The trip centred on the topic of youth development in China, including the continued collaboration of the two organisations around projects such as the “Bundesliga Dream”.

In February and March 2024, a group of 20 talented U16 players came from China to Germany, spending three weeks training and playing against the respective youth teams of clubs Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfB Stuttgart and Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Following the trip, eight members of the Bundesliga Dream squad were selected for the U16 national team, with five of them playing a key role and contributing a total of seven goals and seven assists towards China’s successful qualification for the 2025 AFC U17 Asian Cup.

The second edition will give the next set of players an opportunity to train and play at the youth academies of several Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 clubs. Throughout the visit, the players will follow a set training plan, curated by the DFL and the CFA, and in collaboration with the participating clubs. The group will also get to experience Bundesliga matches, as well as meeting and getting advice from Bundesliga Legends and club ambassadors.

Bundesliga International Chief Marketing Officer Peer Naubert said: “Impactful youth development programmes that lead to tangible results are a key part of our global growth strategy, and working hand-in-hand with both strong local partners and Bundesliga clubs, we have cultivated a unique and innovative approach that continues to pay dividends around the world. Following the completion of the first edition of Bundesliga Dream, we were very pleased to see China qualify for the U17 Asian Cup, particularly knowing that several members of the squad were here with us in Germany just six months ago.

“This success is another proof point that the DFL, through initiatives such as Bundesliga Dream, is delivering on its aim to support the growth of football at all levels across the globe. We are extremely proud to be working directly with the CFA and its clubs on a second edition of the project, as well further youth development plans, an area in which the Bundesliga has long been at the forefront.”

The China U-16 men’s national team (here in Gladbach) was part of the first edition in February and March 2024. - DFL

Chinese Football Association President Song Kai said: “The first phase of the Bundesliga Dream received positive feedback from the Chinese football community and the Football Association, and the players and coaches have gained a lot. We are very grateful to the Bundesliga and the DFL for its efforts for Chinese football and are glad to have such a long-term partner.

“The youth development of Chinese football should learn from the leading international football organisations. We should strive to create conditions for young players to go out and participate in more high-level competitions, exchanges and training, not only to improve their personal abilities, but also to broaden their horizons. We are looking forward to the results of the next edition of the Bundesliga Dream project, and also to working with the DFL and the Bundesliga clubs in the future. “

The DFL has long been committed to the growth of football in China. In 2019, Bundesliga International opened ist first office in Beijing. Furthermore, five Bundesliga clubs also have a permanent presence in China, more than any other European league in the country.

The Bundesliga is considered the home of Asian players in Europe, with more players from Asia playing in Germany’s top-flight in the last 20 years than the other top four European leagues combined. “Bundesliga Dream” is a Bundesliga International initiative which supports local football associations in the development and advancement of youth football. Since its launch in 2022, the Bundesliga has hosted the youth teams of national squads from across Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, India and Indonesia.

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