Borussia Dortmund, the renowned German football club, has joined forces with a local organization in Chicago to host a free soccer clinic for children ahead of an exciting international match against Chelsea F.C. This initiative aims to promote the power of sports and provide equal opportunities for children to participate in the game.
As part of Borussia Dortmund’s international summer tour, which has already taken them to Las Vegas and San Diego, the team partnered with Street Soccer USA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children through soccer. Street Soccer USA operates in 12 cities across the country, serving around 10,000 children, including those facing homelessness and living in shelters.
Julius Everke, BVB’s country manager, explained the partnership, saying, We believe in the power of sports. We think a sport should be free to play for everyone. This sentiment reflects the stark contrast between the German and American systems, as in Germany, sports are not typically associated with high costs and barriers to entry. By promoting street soccer and collaborating with local communities in the US, Borussia Dortmund aims to tackle this pay-to-play system and provide every child with the opportunity to enjoy the game.
Lawrence Cann, the founder and president of Street Soccer USA, emphasized the positive impact of sports on children facing challenging circumstances: Kids that are in troubling circumstances have adverse experiences that can lead to long-term problems. Sports offers a protective power against that. We build positive relationships, teach life skills, and enjoy working together on a team.
On Wednesday, more than twenty children participated in a clinic held in Humboldt Park, Chicago. The session focused on honing basic soccer skills, and the children were also presented with Dortmund kits to further fuel their passion for the sport. Among the coaching staff was Roman Weidenfeller, a German soccer star and 2014 World Cup Champion, who now serves as an ambassador for Borussia Dortmund. Weidenfeller expressed his hopes of creating a better future for the children and the community through this initiative.
The culmination of Borussia Dortmund’s tour will be the highly anticipated match against Chelsea at Soldier Field, which will be televised nationally. While Chelsea prepares for their upcoming Premier League season and Dortmund gears up for Bundesliga play later this month, this friendly match will undoubtedly draw attention from fans across the globe.
By organizing the soccer clinic and partnering with Street Soccer USA, Borussia Dortmund showcases its commitment to fostering inclusivity within the sport and supporting local communities. This collaboration not only provides children with the chance to improve their soccer skills but also imparts valuable life lessons and instills a sense of belonging.
As the international soccer scene continues to evolve, it is heartening to see clubs like Borussia Dortmund taking proactive steps to enrich their tours with impactful community engagement activities. Through initiatives like these, the power of sports transcends boundaries, bringing people together and offering a lifeline of inspiration and opportunity to children who need it most.
