German football giants Borussia Dortmund (BVB) kicked off their partnership with Murugappa Group’s philanthropic arm AMM Foundation with a four-day training camp for the players and coaches at the Murugappa Youth Football Academy (MYFA) in Chennai, India.
In May 2023, AMM Foundation had become Dortmund’s Official Youth Development Partner in India. Both institutions have hit the ground running with the training camp at MYFA from July 3-6, with the goal of instilling a long-term system of communication, learning and development through football.
“Honestly, it feels like one big family doing what we love in trying to impact the lives of these youngsters in the best way possible. We’re delighted BVB shares our vision in putting people before products and profits, with community welfare taking priority over commercial success. Our kids and coaches have already benefited a great deal and while there’s so much more we plan to do, we’re glad things are moving in the right direction,” said Veeru Murugappan, Head of Sport at the AMM Foundation.
Christian Diercks, Head of BVB Evonik Football Academy along with Verena Leidinger, Manager International & New Business BVB APAC and Jerome Kwang, Junior Manager International & New Business BVB APAC, attended this training camp.
They engaged the MYFA players and coaches in drills and sessions that focused on important aspects like on-pitch communication and coordination with an emphasis on getting the basics right, both on and off the ball.
The camp also established a system with the MYFA coaches to ensure the young teen players were having fun and enjoying themselves while improving their overall game.
The BVB personnel conducted hands-on classroom sessions with the MYFA coaches which are set to continue as virtual sessions in the coming weeks and months.
There is also a distinct possibility in the near future for a team from MYFA to participate in BVB’s regional age-group and youth tournaments in Asia and around the world.
“The training camp at MYFA was a fantastic opportunity to kick-off our partnership, engage with the young players and dedicated coaches. Witnessing their passion and commitment to the game has been truly inspiring,” said Christian Diercks from the sidelines of the training camp, saying he was excited to continue the journey and work hand in hand to nurture talent, empower individuals, and create a positive impact in the lives of these kids.
AMM Foundation has been running MYFA since 2015 across Chennai, Tamil Nadu; as part of their efforts to impart values of sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, mental health, leadership and respect through the medium of football and sport to youth from economically disadvantaged communities.
By partnering with BVB, one of the biggest clubs in Germany who are steeped in football heritage with a focus on grassroots and player development, AMM Foundation endeavours to grow MYFA holistically across India in the coming years.