There was a frenzy of activity at the FC Bayern Campus last Saturday as the parents of the incoming academy players were invited to a big “Welcome Day”. Nine families accepted the invitation to attend the FC Bayern academy, which was opened last summer. There were a number of inquisitive looks and questions, and at the end of the day even a tear or two when it came to saying goodbye.
“It’s our first big moving-in day at the Campus. Nine players have moved out because they’ve come of age, and 17 newcomers have moved in,” reported Dr. Eva Zier, one of five teachers currently at the FCB Campus. “We’ve had a lot of work in the last week, but we’re really looking forward to the new cohort.” Each player received a map on arrival with all the important information on day-to-day life at the Campus. Peter Wenninger, U15 coach and head of the U9-U15 section, officially welcomed the families with a short speech. “Today marks a new chapter in the lives of these boys,” Wenninger said.
A total of 40 youth players will now live and train at the Campus academy. A number of new apartments were constructed in recent months to accommodate them, including two double rooms for trialists and visitors which are now ready to be used. Another new feature is that all newcomers are assigned an established player as a tutor to help them. These tutors, such as U17 player Luca Denk, introduced the newcomers to the Campus with a tour during the Welcome Day and will continue to be there for further help and advice. “It’s hopefully a way of making the move into the Campus easier,” Eva Zier explained.