Arminia Bielefeld expands Johannesburg football development programme

German club Arminia Bielefeld has widened its football development work in South Africa with a weekend camp for young players and a training programme for community coaches in Johannesburg.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with three community schools and the City of Johannesburg, Sport and Recreation Department, combined classroom-based learning with practical coaching sessions.

Local coaches were given the opportunity to improve their technical knowledge, strengthen their coaching methods and explore ways of supporting the long-term development of young players.

Arminia Bielefeld first introduced the project at one school last year as a pilot scheme. Following its successful implementation, the programme has now grown to three schools.

The expansion forms part of the club’s plans to establish a sustained presence in South Africa, with the programme expected to reach more schools across Gauteng over the next three to five years.

Regular football camps and coach development sessions are intended to increase access to quality football education and create longer-term opportunities for children and communities. The partnership also aims to share Arminia Bielefeld’s football expertise and development experience with local coaches and players.

The club said its approach would focus on consistency, measurable impact and sustainability, rather than one-off events. Continued involvement is intended to provide participating coaches and players with meaningful development opportunities and help create a stronger football pathway for schools and communities in Johannesburg and the wider Gauteng region.

Community coach Sulie, from Crosby Academic Primary School, said the programme had made a significant difference in the area.

“Arminia Bielefeld has become a beacon of hope for our community. Across nine schools, nearly 3,500 children have access to very few coaches, with most soccer activities led by parents and volunteers.

“Through this programme, community coaches receive top-tier European guidance, exposing children to world-class standards and strengthening grassroots football. It has united and inspired our community. We are deeply grateful to Arminia Bielefeld and the Bundesliga for their invaluable support.”

The latest weekend programme is the latest stage of the partnership’s long-term effort to improve grassroots coaching and support the development of young footballers in South Africa.

Arminia Bielefeld is a German football club committed to sporting excellence, youth development and sharing football knowledge through local and international partnerships.