Germany's youth football landscape is concerning, with a significant drop in U17 and U19 teams since 2006. As the German FA (DFB) works on reforms led by Hannes Wolf, the focus shifts to authentic youth engagement rather than token participation. The DFB Campus recently convened 220 representatives to strategize on nurturing youth interest, prioritizing enjoyment over sheer competitiveness. President Bernd Neuendorf highlighted the necessity for modernization to retain young players, noting the risk of alienation from the sport as they mature. Upcoming proposals will be presented at the Federal Youth Day in September 2025, guiding future initiatives.
The DFB's reforms aim to ensure that youth participation in football focuses on genuine engagement rather than mere numbers, fostering a love for the game.
Hannes Wolf emphasized that if children are benchwarmers at young ages, they may lose interest in football, highlighting the need for genuine involvement.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf warned that despite current participation levels, kids are less guaranteed to stay with football clubs as they grow older.
The conference's outcomes will provide a strategic direction for developing football's appeal to youth in Germany, pivoting towards fun rather than mere competitiveness.
Collection
[
|
...
]