Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund today announced they have extended their partnership with the German School Shanghai (Deutsche Schule Shanghai, or "DSS" for short) to officially remain the exclusive "School Partner of the BVB Evonik Football Academy" in China. The partnership involves a designated BVB football coach who will be responsible for a number of tasks on campus, including planning, coordination, training, the organisation of games, workshops and training sessions, as well as other general school-related tasks. The designated coach will continue to support the implementation of BVB's youth football philosophy and assist the DSS teams in the Shanghai School League.

The German School Shanghai (DSS) is one of the world's largest overseas German schools and has been recognised as an "Outstanding German School Abroad" by the German Education Agency. DSS offers educational excellence, from pre-school to high school, to over 1,200 nursery children and pupils at its two Eurocampuses in Shanghai – one in Hongqiao District and one in Yangpu District. Both Eurocampuses offer a variety of sports courses and extra-curricular activities.

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Photo of the contract signing. From left to right: Jonas Chen, Managing Director DSS; Susanne Heß, School Director DSS; Benjamin Wahl, Head of China at BVB

Benjamin Wahl, the BVB Head of China, said: "We are delighted that DSS is part of our Black and Yellow family and it is wonderful to be continuing this successful and long-term partnership. Our partnership encompasses more than just sporting elements. We both value joint events within the Chinese and German communities, in order to create a platform and network for companies and families to support CSR activities in China."

DSS and BVB have been working together for a number of years on a comprehensive football excellence program for DSS pupils. Through their daily collaboration, it has become increasingly clear that both partners share the same values and interests.

Sharing BVB's knowledge and philosophy, along with its holistic approach, is the core aspect of the partnership, and will be combined with marketing activities such as visits by players, legends and management to promote both German institutions in China.

"This partnership means a lot to us, so it's great to continue. Being team players, working together, having fun with others, pursuing a common goal, supporting each other - that's what DSS and BVB stand for. BVB are a strong partner; we're happy to have them by our side. We're looking forward to our next joint events – BVB and DSS are a perfect team," said Susanne Heß, the DSS Managing Director.

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Photo from left to right: Volkan Özkan, BVB football coach on campus at DSS; Jonas Chen, Managing Director DSS; Dubravka Wenner, Chief Executive DSS; Christoph Waldhuber, Head of Afternoon Supervision at the German School Shanghai Hongqiao (DSSH); Susanne Heß, School Director at DSS; Marius Lorenz, BVB Sports Coordinator China; Ivo Krüger, Head of Afternoon Supervision at the German School Shanghai Yangpu (DSSY); Benjamin Wahl, BVB Head of China; Yan Bi, Chief Marketing & Admissions Office at DSS.