The AMM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Indian business conglomerate Murugappa Group, and Borussia Dortumund (BVB) have announced a partnership starting in July 2023. Through this partnership, the AMM Foundation becomes the official development partner of BVB of youth in India.

The partnership will aim to acquire much of BVB’s expertise and knowledge in the areas of youth and youth football, grassroots player development, coach education, organizational planning and infrastructure development long-term, among other subtle aspects that contribute to the common goal. expand the positive impact on the lives of these young people through football.

The AMM Foundation has operated the Murugappa Youth Football Academy (MYFA) since 2015 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu; as part of their efforts to instill the values ​​of sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork, mental health, leadership and respect through football and sports media to young people from economically disadvantaged communities. By partnering with BVB, which is steeped in football heritage and emphasizes grassroots and player development, the AMM Foundation seeks to develop MYFA holistically across India in the years coming.

Prior to the formalization of the partnership, the BVB team, including Dr. Suresh Letchmanan (Managing Director Asia Pacific, BVB), Julian Wasserfuhr (Talent Development Coordinator, BVB Evonik Football Academy Dortmund) and Verena Leidinger (Manager International and New Business APAC ) visited MYFA in Chennai earlier this year in February for the Preliminary Camp for three days – conducting training drills and in-class knowledge sessions with aspiring players and coaches.

“At MYFA and the AMM Foundation, our efforts have always been to use sport as a vehicle for social change and social inclusion. At BVB, we have found like-minded partners who resonate with this goal, and we are confident that together we will improve the lives of not only footballers but also coaches,” said MM Murugappan (Member, Board of administration, AMM Foundation and former executive chairman, Murugappa Group).

“Our community of over 300 players as well as a coaching staff are eager to learn and grow through this partnership with BVB; perfecting their technical skills, physical conditioning, mental preparation, among other aspects. This will definitely take our goal of nurturing and developing these young people to the next level in the years to come, not only in Tamil Nadu but all over India. said Narayanan Hariharan (Senior Associate Vice President and Managing Director of the AMM Foundation).

“We are very happy to start this partnership with the AMM Foundation and the Murugappa Group, as we share the same vision of using sport, in particular football, as a catalyst for positive change in society. By joining forces with the AMM Foundation and their impressive Murugappa Youth Football Academy (MYFA), we aim to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds across India,” said Dr. Suresh Letchmanan (General Manager BVB Asia-Pacific).

Benedikt Scholz (Director of Internationalization and Business Partnerships and Managing Director of BVB Fußballakademie GmbH) added: “The rich footballing heritage of Borussia Dortmund, combined with our expertise in youth development, will undoubtedly contribute to the overall growth from MYFA. Together, we will empower young players and coaches, cultivating their skills, discipline, teamwork and leadership, as we strive to create a better future through football. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with the AMM Foundation and look forward to the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. »