New-school thinking

Eintracht Frankfurt reckons its proposed Chinese-only soccer academy in Germany will appeal even to parents who think the sport is not a viable career choice.

The Bundesliga club plans to build the academy on a site 15 minutes from Frankfurt Airport, and has teamed up with the city’s esteemed international schools to further students’ overall education.

“Parents in China might be a little bit reluctant because education is everything, and unless you’re at a top club you cannot really make money at soccer,” said Michael Muller, Eintracht’s China representative.

“But we think our model will interest them because they’re keen on bringing their kids abroad to give them foreign knowledge.”

The academy will offer three different types of programs.

“The smallest two-week stay will have a summer-camp feel, where kids can come and experience Bundesliga games, sightseeing, German lessons and get soccer training every day,” said Muller.

“Then we have a second level for the more talented kids, who take it seriously. For them we would do a two-month block, so we’re really trying to develop their talent. To find this talent we would screen all of our partner schools in China.

“For the three-year scholarship program, a half day would be normal school, teaching German, English and math, and in the afternoon soccer. We want to make them international students in an international school system in the center of Europe.

“If they’re good enough, they will come into Eintracht’s first team. If not, there a lot of other teams in the area, where they can be integrated and all the time trained by top coaches.

“Our goal is to bring Chinese players to the Bundesliga.”