South Korean Football Prodigies Experience German Football Culture in Stuttgart

Eleven promising young footballers from South Korea recently concluded an immersive week-long visit to Stuttgart, Germany. The trip, part of Porsche's "Turbo for Dreams – Football" initiative, provided them with invaluable training, cultural experiences, and a firsthand look at European football.

Key Takeaways

• Young South Korean talents participated in intensive training sessions with VfB Stuttgart coaches.

• The program included cultural immersion, sightseeing in Stuttgart, and visits to Porsche facilities.

• The initiative aims to foster self-confidence and help young individuals achieve their dreams through sport.

• This year marked the first time girls participated in the "Turbo for Dreams – Football" program.

A Week of Football and Culture

During their stay at Porsche partner club VfB Stuttgart, the South Korean contingent engaged in rigorous training sessions designed to expose them to European football methodologies. The program, a component of Porsche Korea's "Porsche Do Dream" Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign, focuses on providing systematic training and international exposure to talented youngsters from low-income families. This year's program notably included female participants for the first time, broadening its scope and impact.

The initiative draws inspiration from Porsche AG's long-standing "Porsche Turbo for Talents Youth Development" program, which emphasizes not only high-quality sports education but also the social and personal growth of young individuals. Supported by the International Sports Exchange Association (ISEA), "Turbo for Dreams – Football" is a collaborative effort between Porsche Korea and VfB Stuttgart.

On the Pitch and Beyond

The young athletes experienced a packed schedule, including a friendly match against VfB's U-12 team and attending a U-17 match between VfB Stuttgart and Freiburg. They also had the opportunity to watch VfB's Europa League match against Fenerbahce Istanbul and tour the MHP Arena, culminating in attendance at a Bundesliga game between VfB Stuttgart and 1. FSV Mainz 05.

This visit was a reciprocal exchange, following a youth football camp organized by VfB Stuttgart coaches in Korea in September. Approximately 180 fifth and sixth-year students participated in the camp, from which the 11 scholarship students were selected based on their exceptional skills, performance, commitment, and passion.

Micha Gühring, manager of the VfB Football Academy, commented on the significance of such international exchanges, stating, "Foreign experiences like these broaden horizons and form one’s character." The young players themselves expressed gratitude and determination. Min-yul An shared, "It was a really special experience to train and play together with the VfB Stuttgart players. Thanks to the ‘Turbo for Dreams – Football’ program, I feel one step closer to my dream." Do-yun Kim added, "Training with the VfB Stuttgart coaches taught me not only football skills but also the value of teamwork and responsibility."

VfB Football Academy coach Björn Peter was impressed by the participants' ability to overcome cultural and language barriers, noting, "It was very inspiring to watch, and we were also quite impressed by the passion and perseverance the kids showed in getting one step closer to their dream."

Porsche's Commitment to Youth Development

Porsche's "Turbo for Talents" program underscores the company's dedication to societal responsibility by investing in the future of young people across various sports. Partnerships extend to football clubs like Stuttgarter Kickers, Red Bull Football Academy, Borussia Mönchengladbach, VfB Stuttgart, and Erzgebirge Aue, as well as ice hockey and basketball academies. The program champions values such as tolerance, passion, and respect, while also promoting inclusion, environmental awareness, and health.