Borussia Dortmund aims to promote football talent in India

AMM Foundation, the Indian business conglomerate, the philanthropic arm of the Murugappa Group, and Borussia Dortmund (BVB) have announced a partnership starting July 2023. Through this partnership, AMM Foundation becomes the official youth development partner of BVB in India.

The partnership aims to draw on BVB’s expertise and know-how in the areas of academy and youth football, grassroots development of players, training of coaches, organizational planning and long-term infrastructure development as well as other superior aspects that meet mutual goals. contribute to. To extend a positive impact on the lives of these youth through football.

AMM Foundation has been running the Murugappa Youth Football Academy (MYFA) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu since 2015; As part of their efforts to impart values ​​of sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, mental health, leadership and respect through football and sports to youth from economically disadvantaged communities. By partnering with BVB, who are steeped in football heritage with a focus on grassroots and player development, AMM Foundation endeavors to holistically grow MYFA across India in the years to come.

Prior to formalizing the partnership, a team from BVB including Dr. Suresh Lechmannen (Managing Director Asia Pacific, BVB), Julian Wasserführer (Coordinator of Talent Development, BVB Evonik Football Academy Dortmund) and Verena Leidinger (Manager International and New Business APAC) ), visited MYFA in Chennai, in February this year, for a three-day preparatory camp – conducting coaching exercises and classroom knowledge sessions with aspiring players and coaches.

“At MYFA and AMM Foundation, our endeavor has always been to use sports as a vehicle for social change and social inclusion. In BVB, we find a like-minded partner who resonates with that goal, and We are certain that together we will improve the lives of not only footballers but also coaches,” said MM Murugappan (Member, Board of Trustees, AMM Foundation and Former Executive Chairman, Murugappa Group).

“Our community of 300+ players along with the coaching staff is excited to learn and grow through this partnership with BVB; honing their technical skills, physical conditioning, mental preparation among other aspects. This will definitely take our aim to the next level of grooming and developing these youngsters for years to come not only in Tamil Nadu but across India. Narayanan Hariharan (Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of AMM Foundation) said.

“We are thrilled to launch this partnership with AMM Foundation and the Murugappa Group, as we share a common vision of using sports, especially football, as a catalyst for positive change in society. AMM Foundation and By joining forces with their influential Murugappa Youth Football Academy (MYFA), we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India,” Dr. Suresh Lechmannan (Managing Director, BVB Asia Pacific) he said.

Benedikt Scholz (Director Internationalization and Commercial Partnership and Managing Director BVB Fußballakademie GmbH) says, “Borussia Dortmund’s rich football heritage, combined with our expertise in youth development will undoubtedly contribute to MYFA’s overall development. Together, we will empower young players and coaches, nurturing their skills, discipline, teamwork and leadership, as we strive to create a brighter future through football. We are excited to embark on this journey with AMM Foundation and look forward to the tremendous possibilities that lie ahead.”