Recruiting can take anywhere from one up to nine months, depending on the current roster and upcoming available roster spots. We recommend starting as soon as possible with the process and having enough time to take care of visa, language preparation, and admission.

After applying through our website, our scouts, along with the European scouts, will select players whom they believe to have high developmental potential.

The roster size is between 18-24 players.

Each intake (every 3 months) has open roster spots, typically between 4-8 players. Additionally, we usually shortlist an additional 2-4 talented players just beyond that, in case of injuries.

Currently, we have an acceptance rate of 4% for complete applications (as of 2023) for the Bundesliga Talent Squad. Please note that we do not consider applications without a video or recruiting questionnaire.

While our primary focus is on recruiting players from the highest divisions (equivalent to MLS Next, ECNL, ECNRL, NCAA D1-3, NAIA, NJCAA D1), we welcome all players to apply. Interested candidates can submit their highlight videos or attend one of our ID showcases.

Our program serves as a pathway to a unique Pro Residency Academy, where international players have the opportunity to live, train in Europe, and compete against German and selected European clubs, including Bundesliga teams. As such, a serious commitment to soccer and your future in the sport is a requirement.

We are seeking talented and dedicated student-athletes committed to their personal and professional growth.

The program is primarily designed to recruit players from the age range of 16-23, and it is best suited for the following groups:

• High School Players (age 16-18): Players still in high school focus on developing their game, learning from higher levels of competition, including playing against older opponents, and making connections with the aim of playing semi-pro, professional, or college soccer.
• Gap Year Players (age 18-20): Players who have completed high school work specifically on gaining exposure and creating highlight videos to pursue opportunities in semi-pro, professional, or college soccer.
• College or (Semi-) Pro Players (age 20+): Players who have already graduated and have experience in either the college soccer system or the semi-pro/professional world focus on gaining exposure and creating highlight videos for potential transfers to semi-pro, professional, or college soccer teams.

This approach has created great synergies between the different age groups, allowing younger players to learn from older ones, and all players to benefit from shared connections.

We partner with NCAA D1 & D2 schools or top clubs in North America for our Bundesliga and College Showcases.

CAMP CALENDAR

2024

• New York at LIU Post NCAA D1 – March 3rd, 2024 – FULL

• Florida at Palm Beach Atlantic University NCAA D2 – tbd

• Canada – tbd

2023

• West Palm Beach, Florida (at Palm Beach Atlantic University) – December 14 & 15, 2023 – FULL

• Kona, Hawaii – March 24th, 2023 – FULL

• Los Angeles, California – March 19th, 2023 – FULL

Picture yourself as a gifted player living in California or New York. The nearest MLS or ECNL club is around 2 hours away, yet all you desire is to train like a professional soccer player.

Now you can make it a reality – in Germany. Through our collaborations with the Bundesliga club FC Köln, players reside in the city of Cologne, training 5-10 times a week. This experience mirrors the lifestyle of professional football players, including taking part in competitive matches.

Our online schooling options ensure that you can continue your academic pursuits while enjoying the flexibility to train and play during daytime hours. In summary, Integrated Academies break down geographical boundaries, allowing players to experience living and training like professional European players in their local environment.

The Bundesliga Talent Squad in Germany starts year-round on July 1st, October 1st, January 3rd, and April 1st. It is possible to join the Squad for 3, 6, or a full season (approximately 10) months depending on the availability of roster spots.

Yes, every now and then, we receive invites, and we take trips to play teams from the Premier League in England, La Liga in Spain, or other top leagues in Europe.

3 months – 14,000 EUR
6 months – 27,000 EUR
Full season – 39,000 EUR

What is included?

• Visa application process and administration
• Performance assessment and athletic testing
• Five training days per week
• Video analysis
• Full FC Cologne training and game day gear
• A minimum of two friendly matches per month
• Visits to first team training sessions
• A stadium tour
• Tickets for selected Bundesliga home games
• Full room & board (accommodation and food)
• Access to public transportation
• Access to all gym/swimming/wellness facilities
• Language school (approximately 10 hours per week)
• Participation certificate
• Personal performance report
• Health, accident, and liability insurance
• Access to 1. FC Köln Bundesliga’s specialists for sports medicine

What is included?

• Travel to and from Germany is not included.

Cologne is part of Europe’s most densely populated soccer region!

The region hosts several powerhouse football clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, FC Cologne, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Borussia Monchengladbach,  Fortuna Dusseldorf, Bochum, Duisburg, Schalke 04, and Fortuna Cologne. These clubs fiercely compete to attract local talent, creating a nurturing environment where young players from diverse backgrounds can develop and excel.

As an elite program catering to top athletes, players train a minimum of 5-6 days per week.

Video: Day in the Life

Here’s an example of a typical day in the life of an Integrated Academy player:

While this is a sample schedule, various team and character-building activities for players at least once a month.

The training will be next to FC Cologne Stadium, the RheinEnergieStadion.

Training with an accomplished European Bundesliga clubs, following their established methodologies, learning from UEFA Licensed coaches and connections to FIFA licensed agents, will undoubtedly enhance your game and individual player growth. This one-of-a-kind opportunity offers the ideal setting for pursuing a professional football career.

Nevertheless, reaching the professional level of such a competitive sport like football can be challenging even for the most talented players. We can only guarantee that each player will achieve their maximum potential.

We pride ourselves on collaborating with every player individually to develop their personalized player pathways. Additionally, we have an extensive network of agents, clubs, and colleges, to which we send regular player suggestions.

Our partner academies, clubs, and agents have helped over 100 national and international players who have gone on to compete at the professional level, including the Bundesliga and Champions League. In total, we have a track record of more than 1,000 players and coaches signing contracts at the academy, semi-pro, pro, and collegiate levels!

To represent possible pathways, here is a list of selected US colleges, German clubs, and other academies and companies that our Warubi players and coaches have been a part of!

German soccer academies seek talented international players for various reasons, such as accessing a worldwide talent pool and obtaining a competitive edge. They understand that soccer is an international sport, with gifted players hailing from all around the world.

Clubs aim to scout young international players within a European soccer environment, providing them with a cost-effective scouting method.

We get many partnership offers each year, but we only choose those that truly benefit the players.

The costs mainly come from three areas. Firstly, many clubs and academies charge high licensing fees, which often fall on the players and their families. These fees can be anywhere from 8,000 to 30,000 EUR each year, and they cover things like the club’s name, staff, facilities, and recruiters. Secondly, living costs like food, housing, transport, healthcare, and academic expenses can add up fast, especially in certain cities. These can cost 15,000 to 25,000 per season. Finally, agency and recruitment fees can cost 2,000 to 20,000 EUR. So in total, a full season of quality experience could cost between 25,000 to 75,000 EUR. As always, the truth typically lies somewhere in the middle, and anything more expensive may not provide equivalent value.

How do we help with this?

Selective Partnerships: We only work with clubs and academies that are fair and transparent about their pricing. We make sure that you only pay for what you receive, and that every cost is truly accounted for. Our partners offer reasonable prices while still providing all the quality and support you need in order to be successful on and off the field. We only recommend clubs and programs that we believe offer more value than their cost.

Optimized Resources: We also collaborate with various agencies and partners globally to offer their resources at a reduced cost. These partners provide their expertise and experience for a fraction of the typical agency fees! This way, players can access all the necessary resources without having to bear the full cost of agency fees.

Sponsorships and Scholarships: Lastly, our sponsors offer substantial support and scholarships for the very best players. This assistance allows us to pass on these benefits to the players and their families.

A German Soccer Academy can be a great investment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for every family and player who can afford the costs. You will join a network of professional agents and clubs, improve your soccer skills, learn a new language, and have access to new recruiting opportunities for your player profile (for example, video).

• Imagine receiving a 20% better college scholarship deal by having additional video footage and experience from top German games.
• Imagine signing a pro contract so you can live your dream.
• Imagine finding a job (or a better job) in the future due to your ability to speak multiple languages.
• Imagine finding friends and future business partners from all over the world.

Germany has one of the highest reputations and a transparent league system with promotion and relegation. In just a few months or years, you can add valuable skills to your resume (soccer, language, personality, network, etc.). It has happened before, so why not you?

For young international soccer players, Germany is an ideal country for training.

The German youth development program is considered the best globally from a systematic perspective. Comparing not only the Bundesliga but also the second, third, fourth, and fifth tiers of soccer in Germany, there is a standardized pathway and highly educated coaches.

Germany is the only European country that guarantees a visa for Americans if they receive a contract offer, a benefit not available in other countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Spain, France, and more. Even if a player is talented enough to get a contract offer in those countries, they still face visa challenges. Additionally, there is an easier transition into the German football system, as most Germans speak English.

Upon entering the German soccer system, American youth soccer players often recognize a gap between their daily experiences in the United States and what they might encounter in a more intense environment. Becoming aware of this difference is crucial for players and can lead to significant improvements.

Academics are crucial, as you will be both a student and an athlete!

Each participant must attend German classes (2-3 times per week) while participating in the football school program. Being able to speak the local language will not only increase your chances of playing professional soccer, but it will also have a tremendous impact on future study and job opportunities.

Additionally, each player, depending on their age and graduation timeline, has the option to enroll in online education to earn high school or college credits.

Yes. Our admissions team will guide you through the visa process and enroll you in all necessary language programs.

Absolutely. Our players will be watching professional as well as some youth Bundesliga games.