Arminia Bielefeld expands youth football programme across Johannesburg schools

Arminia Bielefeld has expanded its football development work in South Africa, staging a youth camp and coaching programme for community coaches in Johannesburg.

The weekend initiative was delivered in partnership with three community schools and the City of Johannesburg’s Sport and Recreation Department. It combined classroom-based lessons with practical coaching sessions, giving local coaches the chance to improve their technical understanding and develop skills to support the long-term progress of young players.

Arminia Bielefeld began the project with one school as a pilot programme last year. Following its successful introduction, the initiative has now grown to three schools, underlining the club’s intention to establish a meaningful and sustainable presence in the South African market.

Over the next three to five years, Arminia Bielefeld aims to extend the programme to more schools across Gauteng. The partners plan to use regular football camps and coach development sessions to widen access to quality football education and create lasting opportunities for local communities.

The club’s approach to South Africa is designed as a long-term commitment rather than a series of one-off activities. By sharing its football knowledge and development experience with community coaches and players, Arminia Bielefeld hopes to strengthen local coaching capacity and support the development of young footballers.

Consistency, measurable impact and sustainability remain central to the programme. Continued involvement from the German club is intended to ensure participating coaches and players receive meaningful development opportunities over time.

The latest weekend programme is another step towards creating a stronger football development pathway for schools and communities in Johannesburg, with the wider ambition of reaching more of Gauteng.

Community coach Sulie, from Crosby Academic Primary School, said the initiative had made a significant difference locally.

“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 programme is intended to build on the club’s partnership work by supporting both the coaches providing football activities and the children taking part in them. Its expansion from one pilot school to three participating schools marks the latest development in Arminia Bielefeld’s South African football initiative.