Merkel and Xi learn about S04 projects in China

The delegation, which included Christian Seifert (DFL CEO), Dr. Reinhard Rauball (DFL president), Reinhard Grindel (DFB president), national team head coach Joachim Löw und sporting director Oliver Bierhoff, discussed four selected Bundesliga projects in China, of which the Royal Blues‘ diverse activities were included.

Schalke has, for many years now, been active in China as part of our internationalization strategy, promoting youth football among other things. In 2015 and 2016, ten coaches from the Knappen football school and the Knappenschmiede football camps travelled to Kunshan and Beijing to work with talented youngsters. During the camp, the best talents were identified for a regional elite squad.

As a result of these positive experiences, FC Schalke 04 and the provincial government of Kunshan struck a three-year agreement to organize the sustainable talent development program. The best talents have the opportunity to visit the Royal Blues – giving highly talented Chinese players a first step towards Europe. As a result, Schalke has a constant presence in China with our own licenced coaches and scouts.

Angela Merkel and Xi Jinping paid a visit to a football match in Berlin between Chinese and German U12 teams. The match was part of a football camp that was organised following an agreement made last November. Partners in this large cooperation are the German government, the Chinese government, the Chinese FA, the Chinese ministry of education, the DFL and the DFB. The aim of the project is the continuous, mutual cooperation between the two countries.