Stuttgart, Guangzhou R&F to explore more int'l collaboration

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Developing talented youngsters and training youth coaches have become as vital in modern soccer as the tapping of emerging markets like China. Many of the world's leading clubs have started partnerships with the country's clubs.

Now 2007 German Champion VfB Stuttgart is set to join the growing number this Wednesday by signing a five-year contract with the Chinese Super League club Guangzhou R&F.

VfB Stuttgart's Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Jochen Roettgermann said, "Our collaboration concentrates on the development of young talents, youth coaches and advanced training of coaches."

Jochen Roettgermann (2nd right) and other chiefs of the VfB Stuttgart attend a press conference at Mercerdes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart, Germany, May 25, 2015. /VCG Photo

Roettgermann served as the club's sport and communications managing director from 2006 to 2015 and then he was appointed as CMO till now.

"We're looking forward to visiting China with our Bundesliga squad," the 51-year-old commented. "We're convinced our new partner, and Chinese soccer in general, will benefit far more from an intense exchange of expertise in youth soccer."

VfB Stuttgart striker Nicolas Gonzalez (C) passes the ball during the Bundesliga match between Hannover 96 and VfB Stuttgart in Hannover, Germany, October 6, 2018. /VCG Photo

Located in south Germany in one of the world's most prosperous economic regions where global players like Mercedes, Bosch and Porsche are headquartered, the club is renowned for its activities to produce top young players. Ten U-19 German Championships and five for the U-17s have made Stuttgart one of the most successful outfits in domestic soccer.

Well-known players like Sami Khedira (Juventus Turin), Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Antonio Ruediger (Chelsea), and German U-21 international Timo Baumgartl (Stuttgart) made their first steps in youth football in the city as several former world stars like Juergen Klinsmann, Guido Buchwald and Philipp Lahm.

Players compete for the ball during the CSL match during which Beijing Guoan had a 3-0 win over Guangzhou R&F in Guangzhou, China, October 7, 2018. /VCG Photo

Roettgermann said he was impressed by the efforts being made in China to develop soccer. China's youngsters will benefit from the values and skills that soccer teaches, stressed Roettgermann.

"We experienced a strong commitment and openness to tap our experience in youth soccer, its development, our structures and organization," Roettgermann said.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency