Football: You will be developed at an authentic Bundesliga club by the club’s infrastructure, coaches, analysts, and medical staff—not at a separate academy, affiliated club, satellite, or independent facilities. In short, there is only one official FC Köln ITP roster. The limited roster spots are a unique opportunity, but they also come with the added responsibility of representing the Bundesliga club.

Academics: Through partnerships with American NCAA colleges as well as selected online schools, you can take college credits while in Germany—continuing to progress toward your degree and potentially saving 20K+ on college fees.

Open Door Policy: Players on our recruiting list (meaning they have been evaluated and given the green light) are welcome to visit at any time before making a commitment.

Official Teams on FC Köln Website

Families are right to be cautious. Many football programs appear professional on the surface, but operate with incentives that do not always put players first.

FC Köln ITP is not pay-to-play and not a traditional international academy. It is a tuition-based development and exposure platform inside a real Bundesliga club environment, designed so that money cannot influence football decisions.

You are not paying for promises or guarantees. The only guarantee is development in a Bundesliga environment with clear standards and milestones. Exposure and next steps are earned through performance.

How the program works in practice

1. FC Köln does not depend on this money to operate.

FC Köln is a Bundesliga club with 150,000+ members and independent revenues. The club operates fully without ITP tuition.

ITP does not exist to fund the club. ITP exists to address a sporting and strategic need:

• To create a long-term development and evaluation environment for international players
• To assess players fairly over time against professional standards
• To tap into the international player market and extend FC Köln’s global reach and lifelong fan base

In simple terms:

• The club exists without ITP
• ITP exists to improve how international talent is identified, developed, and evaluated

Because of this structure:

• There is no minimum roster size that needs to be filled.
• Players are not kept to cover costs
• Only players who are a good football fit are developed

Keeping standards high is intentional. A stronger competitive level inside the program naturally attracts scouts, agents, and college recruiters, which creates better opportunities for every player in the environment.

2. Playing time and progression are not guaranteed

The team competes in the GSA league and aims to win games, which means playing the most ready players.

• Training groups and match minutes are decided by UEFA licensed coaches
• Decisions are based on performance in training and games

At the same time, there are multiple competitive opportunities throughout the season for every player to gain match experience and continue developing.

High competition raises the standard. A higher standard creates more meaningful exposure for everyone involved.

3. Players are only developed if the fit remains right

Players are reviewed continuously. If development slows or the environment is no longer the right fit:

• Honest conversations take place
• Clear feedback is given
• Players are supported in finding a more suitable pathway, which may include redirection or exiting the program

This keeps the environment focused, competitive, and credible – which is exactly what attracts serious football decision-makers.

The result is clarity. Families receive:

• Real development in a professional football environment
• Honest evaluation against clear standards
• Transparent feedback on level and progress
• A realistic next step, even if that step is “not here”

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.

Our main focus is on players from MLS Next, ECNL, ECRL, NCAA D1-3, NAIA, and NJCAA D1, but all players are welcome to apply.

To apply, players can:

• Submit highlight videos, or
• Attend one of our ID showcases

The program is designed as a pathway to college soccer or European academy and semi-pro or pro soccer. International players live and train at a professional Bundesliga club and compete against German and selected European teams.

Because of this, we expect a serious commitment to football and long-term development.

We are looking for talented, motivated student-athletes who are committed to improving both on and off the field.

The program is designed for players ages 16-23 and is best suited for the following groups:

High School Players (16-18)

Players still in high school who want to:

• Develop their game at a higher level
• Compete against older and stronger opponents
• Build connections for future college, semi-pro, or professional opportunities

Gap Year Players (18-20)

Players who have finished high school and want to:

• Focus fully on football development
• Gain exposure and improve recruiting videos and profiles
• Pursue college, semi-pro, or professional opportunities

College or (Semi-)Pro Players (20+)

Players with college or semi-pro/pro experience who want to:

• Gain exposure for transfers or next-level opportunities
• Explore semi-pro, professional, or college options
• Continue or complete a degree, including online options

We partner with NCAA schools and top clubs for our Bundesliga and College Showcases to identify talent suited for the college or professional game.

Click here to find out ID SHOWCASE and CAMP CALENDAR.

The roster consists of 18-24 players.

New players are added every 3-6 months, with typically 4-8 open roster spots per intake. In addition, we usually shortlist 2-4 extra players in case of injuries or last-minute changes.

As of January 2025, the acceptance rate for complete applications to the Bundesliga Talent Squad is 6%.

Because roster spots are very limited, we strongly recommend researching the club and the program in advance so you can make a quick and informed decision if you receive an offer.

Please note: Applications without a highlight video and a completed recruiting questionnaire are not considered.

Picture yourself as a gifted player living in California or New York. The nearest MLS club (such as LA Galaxy or NY Red Bulls) or ECNL club is around two hours away, yet all you desire is to train like a professional soccer player.

Now you can make it a reality—in Germany. Selected players represent Bundesliga club FC Köln in the ITP and reside in the city of Cologne, training 5–10 times a week. This experience mirrors the lifestyle of professional football players, including competing against European clubs.

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 season starts in July, with additional options to join in October, January, or April. You can join for 3, 6, or 10 months, depending on roster availability.

There will be 2-4 matches per month in the Germany Soccer Academy League (GSA League). Additionally, we occasionally receive invitations to take trips to play against teams from the Premier League in England, La Liga in Spain, or other top leagues in Europe.

Season 25/26

3 months – 16,000 EUR
6 months – 29,000 EUR
Full season – 44,000 EUR

What is included?

• Visa application support
• Performance assessment and athletic testing
• 5 team training days per week
• Video analysis
• Full FC Cologne training and game day gear
• 2-4 games per month
• Visits to first team training sessions
• 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 (2-3 days 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 not included?

• Travel to and from Germany is not included.

Yes, the club offers limited scholarships, which can be divided throughout the squad.

Players will be evaluated based on their athletic and academic abilities, character, and financial need.

Payment plans are available upon request.

We recommend applying early to check for available scholarships and payment plans.

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

An impressive 4,260 German clubs within a 2.5-hour drive! Nearby countries like the Netherlands and Belgium are only about 3 hours away.

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.

Here’s an example of a typical week in the life of an Bundesliga Talent Squad player:

Video: Day in the Life

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

What we can guarantee is access to authentic professional resources and a platform to be in the shopping window for clubs, colleges, and agents – we do not guarantee a professional contract. We can only guarantee that each player will achieve their maximum potential.

Training with accomplished European Bundesliga clubs, following their established methodologies, learning from UEFA-licensed coaches, and connecting with 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.

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 clubs 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 coaches.

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 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 a crucial part of the pathway – every player is both a student and an athlete.

Each participant must attend German classes (3-5 times per week) while participating in the soccer program. Speaking the local language increases chances of playing professional soccer and boosts 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, allowing them to progress toward their degree while in Germany.

With academics built into the daily schedule, players can balance training and education while developing discipline, study habits, and a global perspective that will serve them wherever their career leads.

Our academic partners help players maintain NCAA eligibility while they pursue their soccer development in Germany.

The FC Köln ITP is USA-credit aligned – allowing student-athletes to seamlessly integrate their international experience into a U.S. university pathway. While in Germany, students earn accredited online U.S. high school or college credits, which can later be applied toward tuition and living expenses at their U.S. institution. Depending on the number of credits completed, families can offset up to one full year of college tuition and fees – valued between 25,000 and 90,000 USD.

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.