PANAJI: ISL powerhouse and AFC Champions League debutants FC Goa have announced a three-year strategic partnership with Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig. The primary focus of the partnership will be Youth Development.
Formed in 2009, German club RB Leipzig have been one of the rising forces in European football in recent times. The Red Bulls worked their way up the league structure and within a period of 7 years, secured promotion to the Bundesliga by 2016. A season later, in 2017/18 the Club ensured a place in the UEFA Champions League. The 2019/20 season again saw them create history, reaching the semi-finals of the premier European competition.
During this period of collaboration, coaches from RB Leipzig’s Academy will be welcomed to Goan shores to impart knowledge via workshops. FC Goa will also be sending coaches and players from the club’s youth set-up for further training and learning the intricacies of the game at RB Leipzig’s Youth Academy, according to a press release by FC Goa. The Gaurs and The Red Bulls will work in tandem not only to help each other to grow internationally, but also for the development of football in India. The partnership will see both clubs launch a nationwide ‘Soccer Camp’ programme.
“I am delighted to have RB Leipzig as our partners. They have shown the world of football how to build from the ground up and that’s something we resonate with. It is our first international partnership and in RB Leipzig, we have the perfect partner. Partnerships such as these validate our long-term vision that we have at the Club. Our goal is to develop Indian footballers for the world stage and this partnership helps us create a visible pathway for all young aspiring footballers in India. We have a long way to go, but these steps help build a strong foundation for the future. This is a partnership that gives me even more belief in the direction we are headed.”
Akshay Tandon, Co-owner & President, FC Goa
“We look forward to our partnership with FC Goa. The club, with its young, modern and innovative approach suits us perfectly. We want to break new ground with RB Leipzig and now we look to take our first steps internationally. The discussions with those responsible at FC Goa were very open, convincing and effective from the start. The emerging Indian market is therefore an absolutely suitable starting point for our future endeavours. And last but not least, such a partnership offers the opportunity to present the Bundesliga in the best possible way and to act as an ambassador.”
Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO, RB Leipzig
