The Ruhr derby garners the attention of fans throughout the region and all over the country, but the appeal doesn't stop there and the fixture has been generating increasing attention on the international stage for some time. So much so that a high-ranking, 14-strong delegation from the Shanghai Football Association (SFA) has taken the derby as an opportunity to pay Borussia Dortmund a first visit in Germany, having encountered the club on their various visits to China.

The SFA is a state-run institution − currently presided over by Zhu Guanghu, the coach of the Chinese national team between 2005 and 2007 − that governs clubs in the region. The delegation is being accompanied on their visit by the Minister Counsellor for Education at the Chinese embassy in Berlin, Dr. Liu Lixin, and the Düsseldorf-based Chinese Consul General Mr. Feng Haiyang. The contact between the SFA and BVB was initiated by the German-Chinese Educational Society (DCBW e.V.), an organisation spearheaded by Chairman Dr. Jürgen Gramke that supports upbringing, community and professional education and promotes the values of solidarity and tolerance.

Once they have attended the 154th Ruhr derby against Schalke 04 on Saturday, the main aim of the visit will be to strengthen relations between Borussia Dortmund and the Shanghai Football Association and to hold concrete discussions about suitable areas for possible future cooperation between the parties. One possible such area is the youth training centre and youth work in general. That's why a meeting with Youth Coordinator Lars Ricken has been scheduled following the formal meeting with BVB President Reinhard Rauball.

"Vocal impression of black and yellow football passion"

BVB managing director Carsten Cramer declared: "We're delighted about the visit from China. For us at BVB, the exchange with the SFA will be one of many important activities in what is an important market for us. Our thanks go to the delegation of the SFA led by Mr. Zhu and the DCBW e.V., but in particular to all the BVB fans who will give our visitors from China a very vocal impression of black and yellow football passion at the derby."

Chairman Zhu Guanghu added that BVB has always made a good impression and had a positive influence on football supporters in China. "Given that the system when it comes to professional football training, youth training and football culture among the fans is the best in the world, we're expecting this visit to provide us with a good approach for our cooperation and to make a positive contribution to the Chinese Football Association. It's just a shame for our stay to be so short. I would've liked to spend a few more days in Germany!"