Schalke enter strategic partnership with Hebei China Fortuna FC

The project was originally started at the start of 2018, and was set to run for five years. Schalke will look after the content-element and strategic building of the club’s youth system as well as supporting Hebei China Fortune with its licenced coaching and scouting team. The aim of the project is to develop Chinese talent using the Bundesliga’s performance centre as a model.

Royal Blue head of Marketing Alexander Jobst said: “China is investing heavily in its Football between now and 2030. Unlike any other Bundesliga team we can offer an immense know-how when it comes to building youth talent and we will offer support to our Chinese partner in all departments. It’s a transfer of knowledge, and we are excited that our youth development will be appreciated in China.

The promotion of football in China with the help of Know-how and the expertise of a top German football team carries with it advantages not just the development of the sport itself, but the inter-cultural exchanges of the political and economic relationship between China and Germany.

The partnership was organized following the so-called 5-star Alliance between the Chinese Ministry of Education and the German government as well between the Chinese Football Association and the DFB/DFL in 2016 and is large in terms of size and extent. Further business areas will be drawn up in the coming months, where FC Schalke 04 will advice and support Hebei China Fortune.