BUNDESLIGA SOCCER TALENT SQUAD
INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY IN GERMANY
The Bundesliga ITP is an exclusive residential soccer program for top international players (ages 16–23) from countries like the USA, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and others. The players are fully integrated into the German Bundesliga club 1. FC Köln.
Known as “The Billy Goats,” 1. FC Köln was founded in 1948 and currently competes in the Bundesliga—the top tier of German football—offering players elite training, exposure, and development at one of Europe’s most respected clubs.
Platform for International Talent
Supported by NCAA coaches, FIFA-licensed agents, and Bundesliga clubs.
The Bundesliga Talent Squad is for highly ambitious soccer players aiming to become professionals in Germany, Europe, or their home countries. It also serves as a platform for players pursuing college soccer scholarships in the USA.
The goal is to help each player grow both athletically and personally—reaching their full potential in a safe, professional environment while building friendships and enjoying the experience with teammates from around the world.
Players in the Squad are part of a recruiting network that has completed more than 1,000 college and pro placements through our partner clubs, colleges, and agents.
Residential Soccer Program
This exclusive residential pro soccer program (3 months to a full season) is for top international players aged 16–23 from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, and other selected countries. Participants are fully integrated into the German Bundesliga club, 1. FC Köln.
Each season, 18–24 carefully selected players receive a rare opportunity to develop their game, showcase their talent, and pursue a pathway toward a professional or college soccer career—while learning German language and culture and continuing their high school or college education online.
“Bundesliga clubs, FIFA agents, and American college coaches receive hundreds of player profiles every day. While they’re eager to find the best international talent, they need a reliable filter to know which players are worth their attention.
The Bundesliga ITP in Germany—powered by the resources and reputation of a Bundesliga club—has become that trusted filter. It carries an Ivy League-like reputation in soccer, helping open doors to both professional contracts and college scholarships.” – Herbert Biste, Head of Recruitment North America, Warubi Sports
FC Cologne Pro Soccer Training
Players of the Bundesliga Talent Squad train 5 times a week for 2 hours each within the professional environment of Bundesliga Team FC Cologne. Every training session is led by 2-3 professional UEFA licensed soccer coaches. Additionally, there will be scouting and matches against German and other European professional and semi-professional teams.
Players will have the opportunity to compete against top-level youth teams from both the country and abroad, and they are being evaluated by FIFA licensed scouts as well as college recruiters. This exposure to high-quality competition and networking will help young players develop their skills under pressure, adapt to different playing styles, and grow both as athletes and individuals.
FC Cologne Pride
German Classes at the Football School
Academics are crucial, as you will be both a student and an athlete!
Each participant must attend German classes (3-5 times per week) while participating in the soccer program. Being able to speak the local language will not only increase 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, allowing them to progress toward their degree while in Germany.
When does it start and what are the costs?
The Bundesliga Talent Squad has year-round intakes on July 1st, October 1st, January 3rd, and April 1st. It’s possible to join the Squad for 3, 6, or a full season (approximately 10 months) depending on the availability of roster spots.
Costs:
3 months – 16,000 EUR
6 months – 29,000 EUR
Full season – 44,000 EUR
The Bundesliga Talent Squad employs a dedicated team of scouts who constantly search for promising young talents both locally and internationally. This broad approach ensures that the academy identifies the most dedicated and promising players, regardless of their background or location.
Europe's most densely populated soccer region
Cologne is part of Europe’s most densely populated soccer region!
The region hosts several powerhouse football clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, FC Cologne (1.FC Köln), Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Fortuna Dusseldorf, VfL Bochum, Borussia Monchengladbach, MSV Duisburg, Schalke 04, and Fortuna Cologne (Fortuna Köln). These clubs fiercely compete to attract local talent, creating a nurturing environment where young players from diverse backgrounds can develop and excel.
