Cooperation between FC Bayern and Global Premier Soccer (GPS), the largest youth football organisation in the USA, has become a lively exchange in the past two years. 18 GPS coaches were in Munich recently (19th-24th October) to observe the youth teams of the German record champions in their day-to-day work and to hold discussion directly with the FCB coaches.
“We are pleased to be able to once again welcome 18 coaches to Munich to further their education. The exchange with the coaches is a very important part of our partnership,” said Sebastian Dremmler, head coach of the International Programme for FCB’s youth teams. “The cooperation with GPS has grown a lot and we are proud of that, have already found and trained many talented youngsters. We are sure that we can continue to increase the quality through our sporting input.”
Meeting Ancelotti
As well as the daily training courses and meetings at Säbener Straße, there were also visits to the training sessions and matches of the FC Bayern youth teams. The North American guests were able to watch the U19’s UEFA Youth League match against PSV Eindhoven as well as the first team’s games against PSV and Mönchengladbach. Another high point was the meet and greet with FCB head coach Carlo Ancelotti and some first team players.
The GPS coaches also brought with two talented youth players to train for the week at Säbener Straße. Both had been identified by the FC Bayern ID programme and were chosen by FCB coaches during a training camp in the USA.
Diverse exchange
There are over 85,000 youth players in more than 100 clubs involved in the GPS programme, spread across 22 states and Canada, and ranging from U9 to U19 level. As well as regular camps in the USA, which are led by FCB youth coaches, the cooperation allows for an ongoing exchange of knowledge and ideas through coaching courses and telephone conferences. The GPS players are also regularly offered visits to FC Bayern.
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