Frankfurt's Shenzhen academy to focus on developing coaches

Eintracht Frankfurt, the storied German soccer club, is making significant strides in China as the Bundesliga team unveiled its new training center in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, over the weekend.

"Our club's primary goal is youth development, focusing on training not only young players, but also Chinese coaches," said Samy Hamama, divisional director of International Relations and Sports Partnerships Eintracht Frankfurt.

This approach, as he shared insights into the Eintracht Frankfurt (Shenzhen Nanshan) Football Academy, reveals a model that transcends traditional soccer development. The initiative, established in a 2021 agreement, aims to build bridges between Germany and China, utilizing soccer as a catalyst for broader cooperation.

"Our main goal is to have a relevance here in the market that is of value for the Chinese," Hamama explained. "To have an effect in youth development on a very broad scale, you need to train the coaches."

The club has deployed three German coaches who not only train young players, but also mentor local coaches, ensuring a lasting impact on the community. This commitment to coaching development is a key differentiator, as Hamama said: "We cannot train thousands of children, but with three additional coaches we can double the digits on the number of those we can."

And the club's commitment to the cause was evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our coaches traveled back and forth, they stayed three weeks in quarantine in hotel rooms just to be able to teach the children," Hamama said, adding that such dedication has earned the trust of the Shenzhen Nanchang district government, a crucial factor in achieving success.

As a result, the club has secured exclusive use of a high-quality soccer field in Shenzhen and four academy players have already been selected for the Chinese Football Association talent pool, which Hamama describes as "a big achievement".

Addressing the current performances of the Chinese national team, Hamama offered a measured perspective. He stressed the importance of patience, discipline, and professionalism, both on and off the pitch.

While acknowledging the challenges of operating in a foreign market, Hamama emphasized that the academy's focus is not solely on profit.

"Any money we make here will be reinvested in China," he declared. This commitment to long-term development and community investment has been crucial in building strong relationships and establishing a solid reputation.

He envisions a future where the success of the academy attracts commercial partners, further strengthening its position in the Chinese market.

Beyond sport, Eintracht Frankfurt's Shenzhen academy serves as a platform for broader cultural and business exchanges. It has hosted delegations from China and Germany, facilitating connections between government officials and businesses in both countries.

Hamama described this aspect as a "five-dimensional interaction," encompassing sports, politics, business, civil society and education. He explained: "Football is a sport, but it's also a very universal language. It helps transport Chinese companies to us in Frankfurt, and for German businesses to come here."

This initiative leverages the unifying power of soccer to foster stronger ties between nations.

He highlighted that people-to-people exchanges, particularly through soccer, are vital for maintaining positive relationships between China and Europe, despite broader geopolitical tensions.

"You cannot do things on your own in this globalized world," Hamama added.

wangxu@chinadaily.com.cn