The Seoul-based International Sports Exchange Association has become VfL Wolfsburg’s Official Talent Development Partner. The Green-and-Whites and the South Koreans have already been in contact for many months. With the end of coronavirus travel restrictions, plans for a personal visit can properly start and the partnership, which is set for three years and entails regular on-site visits as well as digital events, can be finalised. Jin Lee, CEO of the International Sports Exchange Association, said: “The communication with VfL Wolfsburg has been characterised by trust and openness over a long period of time. We’re therefore delighted that this partnership has been realised and are also sure that we will be able to promote football development in South Korea through a regular exchange with VfL.”
VfL delegation with Pierre Littbarski in Seoul
A delegation of VfL Wolfsburg coaches and officials is due to pay a first visit to South Korea in late October, to lead football camps and coaching courses there. The VfL coaches will share VfL children’s grassroots football philosophy as well as expertise from the VfL Wolfsburg academy with the participants. The delegation will include VfL brand ambassador Pierre Littbarski, who will contribute his broad experience. “During my time in Japan, I got to learn a lot about Japanese football but also about Asian football in general. That makes me all the more pleased about the partnership between VfL and the International Sports Exchange Association, and the opportunity to bring my knowledge and experiences to the area,” said the 1990 World Cup winner.
Start in South Korea
VfL has already had positive experiences with similar partnerships in other countries; as well as China, this approach is also being followed in Japan. These are now the first steps for the Green-and-Whites in the South Korean market, in a country known for talented footballers.
