German International School Sydney opens soccer academy with Borussia Dortmund

The German International School Sydney (GISS), in cooperation with the Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund, has officially opened its new soccer academy. In addition to students, parents and teachers, there were also high-ranking guests such as the German Consul General in Sydney, Felix Schwarz, representatives of BVB and Sydney FC. The aim of the program is not only to teach children soccer skills, but also values such as team spirit, respect and discipline. The opening was followed by a ceremonial harbour tour in black and yellow.

From left to right: BVB Asia Ambassador Paul Lambert, Managing Director BVB Football Academy Christian Diercks, GISS Headmaster Michael Cordes, Consul General Felix Schwarz, Sydney FC player Joe Lacey & Sports Director Alexander Baumjohann. Credit: SBS German

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The German International School Sydney is part of the soccer academy program of Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund. The official opening earlier this week was attended not only by students and parents, but also by official guests: the German Consul General in Sydney, Felix Schwarz, the managing director of the BVB Academy, Christian Diercks, Champions League winner with Dortmund and club ambassador Paul Lambert and Sydney FC head of player management Alexander Baumjohann alongside the club's young talent Joe Lacey.

GISS principal Michael Cordes explained that the Football Academy is not just about sporting performance, but also about values such as team spirit, respect and stamina, which would help children develop off the court. Consul General Schwarz emphasized the importance of cooperation for the German-speaking community in Sydney.

In addition to the importance of cooperation for the German-speaking community, the panel also focused on personal role models, what it means to combine competitive sport and school, and advice for interested children. Credit: SBS German

Academy managing director Christian Diercks underlined that the BVB soccer school is not primarily focused on finding talent. Instead, the aim is to enable children — even those who do not have the opportunity to access a junior development center — to develop in soccer and on a personal level. The focus is on having fun moving, especially for the youngest.

We want to build the best possible sports ecosystem that supports children and young people in the long term — regardless of whether they become professionals or not

Christian Diercks (Managing Director BVB Football Academy)

The cooperation with GISS is primarily motivated by a “shared mindset.” In addition to sports education, BVB also wants to impart soccer culture and promote cultural exchange.

In future, an UEFA-licensed coach will manage the program and help children improve their skills. In the near future the cooperation with BVB should not only enrich the school, but also the surrounding community and also involve children outside of the school.

The official part was followed by a symbolic celebration: a harbor cruise on a ship decorated in black and yellow with a view of the Sydney Opera and the Harbour Bridge. Parents, students and guests took the opportunity to share their joy and expectations for the new academy.

It will be interesting to see whether one day a GISS schoolchild will actually make it onto the big stage in the soccer world at some point.