On Sunday, to mark International Women’s Day, VfL Wolfsburg hosted a taster training session for football-loving girls aged six to 13. A total of 60 children took part in the camp and from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. had the opportunity to enjoy a sporty and varied morning together with players and staff from VfL Wolfsburg.
Fun and Team Spirit on the Ball
The training session was supported by club legend Roy Präger as well as Lara Dickenmann, Director of Youth Development for the VfL women’s team. The She-Wolves were also represented: head coach Stephan Lerch and players Svenja Huth, Sophia Kleinherne, Cora Zicai and Linnea Saelen joined the girls on the pitch, offering tips and taking time to chat with them personally.
For everyone involved, it was particularly important to visibly promote women’s and girls’ football on this day and to provide the young participants with a positive introduction to the sport. Through a variety of exercises, the girls were able to dribble, pass, shoot and try out new things. The focus was not only on technique, but above all on enjoying football together and experiencing the game as a team.
“Convey lightness, have fun”
For Kleinherne, it was especially important to encourage the girls and show them that challenges can also offer opportunities: “Especially in children’s everyday lives, it’s important to convey a sense of lightness and to show that you can grow through tasks while, above all, having fun.”
Head coach Lerch drew a positive conclusion from the session: “The girls were a little reserved at the beginning, but as the morning went on they became more confident and combined better and better as a team.” At the same time, he emphasised how important the connection between youth development and the professional level is, also in order to provide young players with role models and share experiences. “I really enjoy working with the next generation and playing my part.”
Memories to Take Home
At the end, all participants received a certificate and a VfL scarf as a memento of this special day. The players and coaches also took time to sign numerous autographs and have personal conversations with the young footballers.
By the end of the morning, Huth was certain: “Today, everyone is a winner.” ⚽💚
