1. FC Köln have started a programme for international talent. Up to 30 youth academy players, aged 17-21, have the chance to learn from a qualified coaching team at the 1. FC Köln Football School for 3-12 months.

The successful co-operation with GK Football exchange (South Korea) will continue and be extended with two additional partners, Soccerlife (Japan) and Warubi Sports / Germany Soccer Academy (North America).

The qualified and experienced coaching staff guarantee an optimal football development. The players will train five times a week, every morning at the Ostkampfbahn – right in the view of 1. FC Köln’s home, the RheinEnergieSTADION.

The development concept will see up to two friendlies a month against, amongst others, other partner clubs of the FC Football School. Along with that, the players will be observed by scouts from 1. FC Köln’s youth academy.

Away from the pitch, the programme offers further opportunities to develop. After training, the players will take part in a language course at the renown Kölner German Language School. The players present will all live in Köln. The FC partners, GK Football Exchange, Football Total and Soccerlife organise trips, accommodation and the language course. 1. FC Köln Football School is responsible for the footballing development side of matters.

Sporting director for 1. FC Köln Football School Heinz Flohe, Simon Scheibe said: “The 1. FC Köln Football School Heinz Flohe has offered qualified football training for children and young people since 2013. Young and ambitious footballers from outside Germany can now profit from the experience of the FC coaches. The programme makes the development quality that FC offers better know, as well as increasing the knowledge of FC on the international market.”

“Through the 1. FC Köln Football School Heinz Flohe, the players will receive qualified coaching in order to further develop themselves in a footballing sense. We are making it possible for them to have the best possible, individual coaching,” said Jorge Arcila, Head Coach of the International Talent Program.

Ha Ki Young, managing director of GK Football Exchange, said: “We are very pleased to have found a strong, strategic partner in 1. FC Köln. The excellent football development in Germany and with 1. FC Köln is very highly regarded in Korea.”

Herbert Biste, Recruitment Director of Warubi Sports, adds: "We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to players in North America. The 1. FC Köln Bundesliga International Talent Squad is designed for highly ambitious soccer players who want to become professional players in Germany, Europe, or back in their home countries. The Football School program is also a big advantage for players seeking college soccer scholarships in the USA.”