There has been a lot of hype in the Brazilian media and enthusiasm among the 160 children and 60 youth coaches of the Evonik Soccer School which has now been a guest for a week in Sao Paulo at the invitation of Evonik. The workshops involved both theory and practice and allowed the Brazilian coaches, who primarily work in social institutions, to compare and exchange tactics and experiences with the Borussia Dortmund youth coaches.

Following the Evonik Soccer School’s visit, both sides concluded that they could incorporate these new insights into their work in the future. At the start, the auditorium of the National Football Museum in Sao Paulo was filled to the rafters with youth coaches and media representatives. Prior to the visit from the Germans, Brazilian TV and Radio as well as various print and online media had already been reporting on the event. After the presentation of the “BVB brand”, the first day was dominated by the training philosophy with which the youngsters at Borussia Dortmund work. BVB legend Dede also took part in the subsequent panel on “Brazilian and German youth football”, who expressed his support and love of the project. The 60 Brazilian coaches asked him many questions and were fascinated by his views and experiences.

The practical part of Evonik Soccer School’s visit included not only professional youth training but also team building activities with the children and coaches to show how training at Borussia Dortmund involves both a footballing and social aspect. The absolute highlight for all the children was a game in which the BVB coach and Dede were on one side of the pitch and 130 children were on the other. After a thrilling game the Brazilian children won clearly with a 3:0 victory. The intensive programme ended with a penalty shoot-out in which Dede was allowed to score a goal.

The two sides benefited greatly from the visit and the activities which left the children beaming and maintained the ongoing relationship between BVB and the local coaches.