If you drive past the GESS or Nexus campus, you may spot Borussia Academy Singapore's young players practicing their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. Having partnered with popular Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2018, the academy offers top-class football programmes for girls and boys of all levels aged three to 16-along with year-round tournaments and opportunities to compete in top JSSL National Youth and Puma League matches. We chat to ULLI NIEDERMEYER, founder and director of Borussia Academy Singapore, about his coaching team's role in shaping young players, and what it takes to create an excellent youth development football programme.
What led you to coach youth football?
I was passionate about sports from a young age - I started coaching football at the age of 18 in Germany, and studied at university to become a physical education teacher. Needless to say, founding Borussia Academy is a dream come true for me! I find coaching incredibly rewarding, especially teaching young kids who are naturally keen and hungry to become better players. It brings me immense joy to see players and teams performing new skills and improving their performance.
What sets Borussia Academy's apart?
It's not solely about winning matches, becoming league champions, or promising the players that we can help them to become professionals. Of course, it's great to score lots of goals, but that's not our priority. We want to help each player feel included and respected within the team, alongside improving their level of skill.
Any new football coaching trends that you're building into your programmes?
This story is from the January 2024 edition of Expat Living Singapore.
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This story is from the January 2024 edition of Expat Living Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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