FC Bayern Munich and the University of Denver have today announced a wide-ranging partnership, which will see one of the world’s most successful sports teams share their coaching philosophy and expertise with young players looking to pursue a career in sports whilst completing higher education in the United States.

“FC Bayern is committed to growing soccer at all levels in the U.S.,” said Jörg Wacker, FC Bayern Executive Board Member for Internationalization and Strategy. “We are delighted to partner with a leading university, which has the country’s number one NCAA Division I College Soccer program, making our ambition of creating a variety of pathways for youngsters looking to pursue a career in soccer a reality,” he added.

The German powerhouse and historic private university will come together in this unique alliance to exchange coaching techniques and experiences, benefitting students on the soccer program who will have the opportunity to take part in a cultural exchange in Munich.Qualifying FC Bayern academy players could also benefit from the University of Denver’soutstanding athletic and education programs.

“We have a permanent presence in the U.S., allowing us to constantly learn about the country’s culture of which higher education through sport is a big element,” commented FC Bayern Munich’s President of the Americas, Rudolf Vidal. “ With the University of Denver, we are enabling young athletes to achieve academic excellence as well as the very best on-field development,” he added.

The alliance has other benefits, including access to the university’s sport facilities for training camps as well as collaborating on research programs, which FC Bayern can use to explore specific partner projects, sports psychology and nutrition. In addition, all FC Bayern staff, including players, have the option to complete online courses.

“We are dedicated to delivering the highest level of education and by partnering with FC Bayern we will be delivering a global soccer program too,” said Rebecca Chopp, University of Denver Chancellor. “As an educational institution, we will be able to support the club in their research initiatives as well as offer their staff excellent educational opportunities in the U.S.”

FC Bayern Munich has been working since 2014 to help grow the level of the game in North America. The club has seen success with a wide-reaching grassroots program with Global Premier Soccer and more recently an elite player development program with MLS side, FC Dallas. The German giants also have presence at one of the highest academic levels through a partnership with Columbia University, supporting the curriculum of their Sports Management Master’s program.

University of Denver’s Head Coach, Jamie Franks added: “I’m thrilled about this partnership that will give our staff the opportunity to benefit and observe some of the best coaching practices that helped develop world class talents including Philipp Lahm, Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels, that we can then bring back to our program to train our student-athletes. We also look forward to this partnership opening the door to potential cultural exchanges, academic opportunities and foreign tours to help benefit our student-athletes and the University of Denver going forward.”

(FC Bayern Munich)