Borussia Dortmund team up with German International School Sydney in groundbreaking youth football initiative

The partnership reflects Borussia Dortmund’s continued investment in youth and community outreach, while reinforcing GISS’s ambition to elevate its football program amid increasing interest in the sport within its growing student body.

Situated on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, GISS provides bilingual education from early childhood through to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in senior years. Known for fostering global-mindedness and academic excellence, the school also boasts a vibrant extracurricular offering, including a fast-developing football program. Borussia Dortmund, with its rich legacy in youth training and technical instruction, is poised to help the school reach new heights.

A key component of this collaboration is the deployment of a full-time Borussia Dortmund coordinator at the GISS campus. This individual will be tasked with leading the school’s football program, offering direct oversight and expert guidance to ensure students receive training aligned with BVB’s renowned methodology. In addition to enhancing the daily training routine, BVB will assist GISS in shaping the design and implementation of a new football pitch—an important step that underscores the school’s commitment to elite sports education.

Dr. Suresh Letchmanan, Managing Director of BVB Asia Pacific, expressed his excitement over the venture: "We are thrilled to partner with the German International School Sydney and contribute to the development of young footballers in Australia. This partnership aligns perfectly with our philosophy, and we are excited to be a part of shaping the future of football at GISS.”

Echoing these sentiments, GISS Principal Michael Cordes highlighted how the partnership fits seamlessly with the school’s educational vision: "We are incredibly excited to bring Borussia Dortmund’s world-class football training to our students on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. This partnership aligns with our commitment to holistic education by combining academic excellence with quality athletic development. Our students will not only improve their football skills but also gain invaluable international experiences through the exchange programs and mentorship opportunities.”

One of the most exciting benefits is the opportunity for student-athletes to travel to Germany and train at BVB’s headquarters in Dortmund through exchange programs. These trips offer a firsthand experience of the club’s professional training environment, providing invaluable exposure for aspiring footballers. Both boys and girls will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of the program, ensuring that talent is cultivated across all levels and demographics. To further support development, holiday training camps will be introduced at GISS, giving students extra opportunities throughout the year to enhance their technical and tactical skills under the guidance of BVB-trained coaches.

This latest agreement with GISS adds to Borussia Dortmund’s expanding network of educational partnerships. The club has already established similar arrangements with German international schools in major Asian cities, including Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. By aligning with institutions that share its dedication to education and football, Borussia Dortmund continues to reinforce its global commitment to youth development.

Parents and students interested in becoming part of this dynamic initiative can find more information and register for upcoming training camps by visiting the official GISS Football Academy page.