Borussia Dortmund Returns to the Philippines for Three-Day Youth Camp

L-R: Philippines international Dennis Chung, local organizer Ayii Ni Aryee, BVB Asia Sports Head Marius Lorenz, Mendiola FC midfielder Hamed Hajimahdi

Borussia Dortmund (BVB) is back in the Philippines!

The eight-time German Bundesliga-winning club is once again bringing its tradition of developing young talent to the country with a camp for youth footballers.The BVB Evonik Football Academy is holding a camp at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub from October 27 to 29.

Participants from the U8 to U16 age groups will enjoy a three-day camp under the guidance of Borussia Dortmund seasoned coaches. In addition to expert coaching, participants will undergo technomotorical testing, allowing them to compare their skills with other talents in Dortmund's youth setups around the world.

“To compete in modern football, to compete at the highest level, our DNA is to develop our own players,” said Marius Lorenz, BVB's Head of Asia Sports. “That is what we want to bring from Dortmund to the world, to our international friends.”

This camp in Cavite is BVB’s second in the Philippines, following their efforts in Cebu in 2023. BVB is hopeful that this latest initiative in the Philippines will pave the way for a more consistent presence in the country.

“For the Philippines, we are just beginning to establish our first footprint here,” Lorenz added.

“Hopefully, it’s just the start!”

With a ratio of 20 students to one BVB coach, slots are limited but still available.

Interested participants can contact the BVB Evonik Football Academy Philippines Camp on Facebook or message +639454782886 for further inquiries.

This event is brought to you by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, Vermosa, Chronos Sportswear, Jjimbang Hotel and Spa, Match Point Sports Bar and Events, and SIP Plus, the official hydration partner of the BVB Evonik Football Academy Philippines Camp.

Dortmund marks a decade of Asian presence

c/o Borussia Dortmund

Earlier this month, German club Borussia Dortmund marked the tenth anniversary of its first international office in Singapore, an expansion that has yielded growth with regards to global outreach and engagement that fostered a deeper connection with its partners across the region.

The office has been able to execute a number of projects that not only helped raise their profile in the region but also assisted in spreading the club's values outside of Germany. Most of these projects are often in collaboration with local counterparts, as well as with Bundesliga International, a subsidiary of the German top flight tasked with connecting football fans worldwide.

One of the key moves Dortmund made is to hire a local to lead the office. Under Dr Sureshwaran Letchmanan, the Singapore office has been able to organize a variety of successful campaigns and partnerships, youth development programs, and fan engagement activations, not just in the island-state, but in fifteen countries in the region as well, including places like Cambodia, Laos, and Mongolia. These include first team tours, legend matches, fan club gatherings and viewing parties.

An example of such a successful activation from the club is its "Virtual Asia Tour" from 2020, where Dortmund became the first international club to pull off an event that did not have physical activity and yet was able to reach many people.

Having collaborations with Bundesliga International allowed for an amplified impact in the region for both parties with multiple high-profile events. The Bundesliga Dream made it possible for local Asian players to aspire for an opportunity to train at top Bundesliga academies, while the Bundesliga Experience aims to engage football fans across the region through a plethora of activations. Various first team Asia Tours allowed such fans to witness what top-flight football in Germany is all about, highlighting the league's competitive spirit.

With all of these in the past decade, Borussia Dortmund also has an eye to expand its footprint in the continent through future initiatives, including the Philippines. In particular, the team is set to hold a football camp later this month in the country.

Managing Director Carsten Cramer shares, "Celebrating a decade of excellence, teamwork, and remarkable achievements, our Asia office in Singapore stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment and global vision. With a presence now in more than 15 countries across Asia Pacific, we have not only expanded our horizons but also created countless wonderful memories and stories along the way. Here’s to the incredible journey we’ve shared and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead."

Dr. Letchmanan adds, "Over the past 10 years, we've had the privilege of witnessing the tremendous growth of BVB’s presence in Asia. The journey has been filled with memorable experiences, from building strong partnerships to engaging with passionate fans across diverse cultures. Our success in the region is a testament to the dedication of our local teams and the deep connection we share with our supporters. As we look to the future, we are excited to continue pushing boundaries, fostering new relationships, and bringing the spirit of BVB to even more communities throughout Asia."