A change of perspective and a chance to take stock: the U13 Young Wolves look back on a formative trip to China.
Far from home, in the shadow of the megacity of Guangzhou, the VfL Academy’s U13 side experienced an extraordinary journey. Amid an imposing skyline, the bustle of a densely populated metropolis and traditional culture, the Young Wolves tested themselves against international opponents from around the world at the FT CUP International in Foshan (China). During the eleven-day trip, the players and coaching staff not only gained top-level sporting experience, but also impressions that extended far beyond football.
Steep learning curve as the tournament progressed
After arriving in the “Middle Kingdom” on January 31, the Green-and-Whites began with a friendly match and their first cultural impressions at Shunfengshan Park. A few days later, things got serious: in the group stage of the FT CUP International, the Young Wolves faced three strong Chinese opponents – Chongqing, Sichuan Liangshan and Guangzhou. Despite committed performances, head coach Marius Feder’s team fell short of their own expectations in all three matches and suffered defeat each time.
As a result, Wolfsburg’s U13 competed in the placement round for positions 17 to 24. There, the picture changed significantly. With three wins from three matches, the Young Wolves showed greater courage and clear improvement in their play. In the end, they finished 17th out of a total of 28 teams. “We can’t be satisfied with our final position alone,” Feder assessed. “In the group stage, we didn’t perform to our potential and took too long to adapt to the high tempo and the unique conditions. However, it’s a positive sign that the boys improved noticeably as the tournament went on and showed a different side of themselves in the placement round.”
Cultural highlights
Alongside the sporting competition, the stay also featured a varied supporting programme. In the city of millions, Foshan – home to the ancestors of Bruce Lee and a major industrial hub – the Young Wolves gained insight into modern production processes and international cooperation during an in-depth tour of the FAW-Volkswagen plant. A visit to the historic old town, the Bruce Lee Park including a short kung fu course, and a traditional dragon boat race rounded off the programme and provided lasting impressions away from the pitch.
“For all of us, this trip was an extraordinary and truly once-in-a-lifetime experience,” concluded head coach Feder. “From a sporting perspective, the tournament was an important international benchmark from which we gained valuable insights. At the same time, the stay enriched the boys enormously on a personal and cultural level and broadened their horizons. We’re grateful to have been given this opportunity.”
