StarTimes commences BLFS programme to develop football talents

StarTimes, Africa’s leading pay-TV service operator in collaboration with the German Bundesliga, on Saturday commenced its football talent development programme dubbed Bundesliga Football School (BLFS).

The five-day programme aimed at developing and promoting young talents would see local fans experience a physical connection to Germany's top tier league through a number of fun and inclusive activities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Lord's Wembley Plus Park in Accra, Mr. Burger J. Nass, Head Coach of BLFS stressed that, one of the most essential aspects of the program was to make children learn about Bundesliga, Clubs and the German philosophy and also to make young footballers have fun.

"I am hoping that we can show the coaches our philosophy so that they would get the best out of it in future, but we would also learn from them because we are all working together and we are looking forward to nature the talents on the pitch".

"For the fans and the spectators, we want to show them what is behind the Bundesliga and also make them aware that, Bundesliga can be shown on TV with the StarTimes. We would also showcase to them why we believe Bundesliga is special as compared to other top leagues," the head coach added.

Mrs. Akofa Dzankui Banson, Head of Marketing at StarTimes Ghana, revealed that, they partnered with the Bundesliga for the project because of the love StarTimes has for Ghana football.

"We are doing this to showcase youth football in Ghana and we want youth football in the country to grow and reach the highest level".

"These are some of the reasons why we are partnering with the Bundesliga to bring this project to the Ghanaian youth, so that we can have great talents and groom them to the national team level as well, “she said.

A total of 100 Young Boys and Girls footballers between the ages of 13 and 17 as well as five junior national team coaches were selected across the country for the project.

The national team coaches who were selected were include; Coach Samuel Boadu, the Head Coach of National U-15, Coach Evans Adotey, the Head Coach of National female U-17, Mr Eric Ofori Antwi, Sports Director of Lizzy Complex, Coach Dora Zitah, Head Coach of women U- 20 and Isaac Amoako, goalkeepers’ trainer of national U-15 team.

The young footballers received assistance from top World Stars, in a series of compact training sessions and workshops, enabling them to showcase their talent.

The foreign and local experts and coaches who were leading the session were include: Former German international Renate Lingor, two time World Cup winner, Coach Tobias Süveges of SV Werder Bremen, Arne Stratmann of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Bjoern Nass of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and head coach of the Bundesliga Football school, Birger J. Nass.

As part of the Bundesliga Experience in Ghana, Lothar Mathaus – World Cup winning captain of Germany would visit Ghana within the five day period to share his football experience with Ghanaians, embark on activities with football fans and meet key stakeholders from Ghanaian football.