FC Bayern New Youth Academy Officially Kicks Off
In the world of youth soccer, there are only a handful of outstanding, world-class player development programs on the planet. FC Bayern is one.
Whether you know the song “Forever #1, we are better than the rest…” or just watched Germany win the FIFA World Cup — FC Bayern and their world champion making efforts reign at the summit.
FC Bayern officially opened its new state-of-the-art academy today with the aim to improve youth development at the iconic club, building on a tradition and emphasis on homegrown players and developing world class talent.
FC Bayern München plays in Allianz Arena and has always dominated the German professional soccer league – the Bundesliga.
The FC Bayern Campus houses eight football pitches — two of them artificial turf — plus a multi-purpose sports hall, the youth academy and a clubhouse with office space on the 74- acre plot.
FC Bayern president Uli Hoeness said, “In the last few years, the results of our work haven’t been good. No player has even come close to making the first team since David Alaba.”
“Like many big clubs around the world, a youth academy has been our dream for many years,” said Hoeness. “What you can see here today can make us all feel proud. Our staff have an infrastructure better than any other.”
The building project which cost the German powerhouse $81 million — that is €70 million — is a short distance away from the Allianz Arena stadium to the north of Munich.
Former player and manager, Hermann Gerland, will oversee the sporting side of operations at the academy.
Gerland has played a major role in developing players at Bayern, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, David Alaba, Holger Badstuber and Owen Hargreaves.
“We need talent with rough edges. Everyone must want the ball. Our motto is: ‘don’t give the opponent any time to think,'” Gerland said.
“I can promise you this, I will give it everything. And all who don’t give it everything — they have no business here. It’s that simple,” added Gerland.
“The set-up here is incredible. The FC Bayern Campus is really impressive,” declared FCB sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic.
“We’ve so much space here that it’s a great place for us to work on the future of FC Bayern,” he added.
