The visit to Stuttgart formed part of an international exchange programme jointly organised by Soccer in the Streets, the Halle Foundation, MHP Americas, Mercedes-Benz U.S., SAP and VfB Stuttgart. The 12 participants were selected in July during a football camp in Atlanta, held in collaboration with VfB Stuttgart coaches.
Football for all – creating opportunities
Soccer in the Streets is a community programme based in Atlanta that provides year-round football opportunities for children and young people from all walks of life. Alongside free equipment and access to high-quality training facilities, the programme focuses on community, mentoring and personal development. It gives young people the opportunity to play football regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Halle Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Atlanta, is dedicated to strengthening German-American relations and promoting exchanges in areas such as culture and international cooperation. Together with VfB’s corporate sponsors MHP Americas, Mercedes-Benz U.S. and SAP, the foundation supports the initiative, giving the youngsters the chance to discover Germany through football, gain valuable experiences and forge lasting connections across borders.
Discovering VfB and the city of Stuttgart
The youngsters enjoyed a varied programme throughout their week in Stuttgart. Several training sessions led by VfB coaches gave them an insight into the club’s training methods, while opportunities to meet VfB academy players of a similar age and attend an U14 training session offered a closer look at youth football in Stuttgart.
There was plenty to discover away from the pitch, too. A stadium tour gave the youngsters the chance to explore the home dressing room and take photos at pitchside, before a sightseeing tour introduced them to the city of Stuttgart. A visit to the Mercedes-Benz Museum also provided a fascinating insight into the history of the automobile.
The group also sampled traditional Swabian cuisine during an evening meal together, before gathering to watch Champions League football, thereby enabling further opportunities to exchange experiences and make new connections.
Working together to support young talent
The exchange programme was made possible through the commitment of Soccer in the Streets, the Halle Foundation, MHP Americas, Mercedes-Benz U.S. and SAP. As the first initiative of its kind aimed at the US market, the project brought all the partners together to create unique cross-cultural experiences, supporting the youngsters’ personal development both on and off the pitch.
