Marconi, a former powerhouse of Australian soccer, are set to become a feeder club of Borussia Dortmund after signing a long-term youth development and marketing partnership with the German giants on Sunday.
Three of Marconis best youth players will have the chance to move to Dortmund every year as part of the agreement that will see the Bundesliga side establish a firm presence in Australian football, playing a key role in the development of youth in Sydney.
Dortmund regional managing director Suresh Letchmanan (back row, left) and ambassador Karl-Heinz Riedle (back row, third from left) with Marconi representatives. Credit:Chris Lane
A three-person delegation from Dortmund, including former German international Karl-Heinz Riedle, travelled to Bossley Park over the weekend to finalise an agreement with Marconi that will see Dortmund begin sending coaches and technical staff to Australia to assist with Marconis youth programs.
Its understood the first coaches from Dortmund will arrive at Marconi in the July school holidays to assist in the development of youngsters at the club. Under the agreement, three of the best young players at Marconi will be brought over to Germany every year to join Dortmunds youth team, widely regarded as one of the most successful academies in world football.
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The partnership may raise eyebrows in Australian football given the gulf in stature between both clubs current standing within their own domestic football tiers. However, while Marconi have not played top-flight football since the collapse of the old National Soccer League in 2004 and are currently competing in the semi-professional National Premier League NSW, theyve continued to be a strong development club of young players.
This is a milestone and marks a new chapter in the growth of our international story and most importantly into the history books of our club to have a partnership in Australia. We are pleased and are delighted to welcome Club Marconi into our black and yellow BVB family, Borussia Dortmund chief operating officer Carsten Cramer said.
The deal with Marconi is the latest of Dortmunds push into Asian youth development. It is their fifth feeder club agreement in the region, having previously established links with clubs in Thailand, Malaysia, China and Singapore.
Sydney's Marconi has entered into a partnership with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. Credit:AP
Dortmund have a history of signing young Australian players, bringing Ned Zelic to the club in 1992, signing goalkeeper Mitch Langerak from MelbourneRead More
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