You are currently viewing Nils Petersen – German Soccer Academy and Soccer Scholarships USA

Nils Petersen – German Soccer Academy and Soccer Scholarships USA

In an exclusive interview with Warubi Sports and Chris Griebsch, experienced Bundesliga professional Nils Petersen of SC Freiburg discusses his experiences growing up and playing in the German Soccer Academy of Carl-Zeiss Jena. He also highlights the importance of developing alternatives to professional soccer, including obtaining a good high school education and creating a “Plan B”, with a soccer scholarship in the USA at the top of his list.

Nils has played in the Bundesliga since 2009 and is the top goalscorer in the history of SC Freiburg. He played for Bayern Munich during the 2011/12 season and from 2012 to 2015 for SV Werder Bremen before moving to SC Freiburg. In 2016, he won a silver medal with the German National Team at the Olympics.

The Interview with Nils Petersen

Chris: Nils, it’s great to have you here. Just a quick introduction for everyone watching: Nils Petersen is the leading goal scorer of SC Freiburg in the German Bundesliga and a silver medal winner for the German Olympic team. He’s also played for Bayern Munich and has a lot of experience, having played in the 1. Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga and scored nearly as many goals.

Nils: Hi Chris, thank you for this introduction. Thank you.

Youth Soccer Academy in Germany

Chris: OK, the first question is going to be: How did playing and growing up in an academy, in your case Carl-Zeiss Jena, prepare you for professional soccer?

Nils: It was the perfect preparation for men’s soccer because I could spend a lot of time on the soccer field without neglecting school. I could be at school or on the practice field or in my room within minutes. At school, I sat with my teammates, which meant we could continue to talk about soccer during breaks, not during class of course. You have a lot of time on the training field, and you also get to know other sports. That’s where you also arouse interest and get a different input.

At our sports school, you could also choose a second sport, which meant you did something else for your fitness and your body. The coaches were also present at the school, and there was an exchange between teachers and coaches, which was incredibly important because the school cannot be neglected. Not everyone makes it into professional soccer, and you still need a good foundation for the future.

Nils Petersen at Bayern Munich with Sebastian Schweinsteiger - German soccer academy to Soccer Scholarships in the USA

German Soccer Academy to get to the professional level

Chris: Can you recommend playing in an academy in Germany and why?

Nils: Yes, I can totally recommend it. For anyone who wants to become a professional soccer player, and many people in Germany do, it’s the easiest way. That’s where you get the best support. That’s where coaches with the most knowledge teach and train you. Coaches who have received a high level of education. You’ll get closer to professional soccer simply because you train 6, 7, 8 times a week, which usually doesn’t happen in your home club. That’s where the best players come together.

You can only improve if you come together with the best, train with the best, or play against the best in a league. All of that is offered at an academy like the one in Jena. You can get out on the soccer field day after day with like-minded people and really develop to your best level.

How to get quickly accepted in a new team

Chris: You’ve played with many international players. What do you think is the best way to get quickly accepted in a new team and a new country?

Nils:The easiest way to fit in is through good performance. This will help the team and the people in the surrounding area accept you quickly. However, before you can show your performance, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the city and your new environment. In the beginning, spend a lot of time in the locker room, joining conversations, but stay authentic. Don’t try to act too cool or special, and don’t act overly excited if that’s not your usual personality. Players will likely notice if you’re not being genuine.

It’s also important to spend time with the team, going out to eat and participating in team activities. Don’t isolate yourself or remove yourself from the team. It’s helpful to find a player council or hierarchy where veteran players can help guide the new ones. The coaching team also has a role in helping new players adjust to the team.

Nils Petersen with Manuel Neuer for the German National Team - Soccer Academy to College Soccer

Alternatives to Professional Soccer

Chris: How important is it to have alternatives in case professional soccer doesn’t work out?

Nils: It’s incredibly important. It’s not just an empty phrase. When you hear that, you might think “Oh, I already know.” But in the end, there are many footballers who put all their hopes and efforts into turning pro, and then they have a problem because they don’t make it, they get injured, or they fall through the cracks. The statistics show that the number of players who make it into paid soccer is very small. So it’s important that you, and the people in your environment, have a Plan B: “What do I do if it doesn’t work out?” That’s important in any area of life! You always need to have a Plan B. A scholarship in the United States can be a very good alternative for players who want to combine football and education on a high level. 

However, the struggle and effort to become a professional soccer player can help you in other parts of life. You learn discipline, patience, acceptance, teamwork. These are all important skills that can be useful in other areas, even if soccer doesn’t work out. On the other hand, it’s also important not to neglect your education. If you do, you might run into problems. There are already many negative examples of this.

How to prepare for alternatives to professional soccer

Chris: You also graduated from high school yourself, right? At the sports school in Jena. How important is such an education and how did it help you in your career and what is coming up for you after your career?

Nils: During my time in high school, it was a matter of personal pride to get my high school diploma – for my family, for myself, and for my environment. In the end, you can say “I have something that will definitely help me in life, no matter what happens.” I’ve also accomplished something. I’ve managed to do it, so to speak. I think it’s important to finish some things in life.

During my career as a soccer player, I always thought “I don’t need my high school diploma.” Now that I’m over 30, I think “Luckily, I have my high school diploma. Luckily, I have something in my pocket where I’ve already proven to myself that I can do it.” But of course, it also opens doors for me to study again later, to take other paths, to apply for jobs. I can say “I’ve already accomplished something in my life,” and I’m grateful for that. Because soccer time goes by so quickly.

Suddenly, the day will come when you’re no longer generating income, when probably no one in the soccer world is interested in you anymore. Then a new chapter begins, a new life. This time comes so quickly and you have another 30 to 40 years until retirement. That’s why it’s so important to have something in your pocket that will definitely help you on a different path.

Chris: Nils, thank you very much for your time. First of all, I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. Secondly, I want to mention that Nils sent two jerseys yesterday because there is someone who is not doing well. Nils immediately sent the jerseys without hesitation. That’s not a given, so thank you very much for that. You’re a great person, keep it up, and again, thank you very much for your time.

Nils:No problem, I can only say the same thing back. Thank you.


College Soccer Scholarships in the USA – Free Evaluation of Your Chances > warubi-sports.com/college-apply

International Soccer Academy in Germany > warubi-sports.com/international-soccer-academy-in-germany/

International Soccer Academy Application > warubi-sports.com/international-soccer-academy/