FC extend co-operation with Sanfrecce Hiroshima

1. FC Köln have reached another milestone in terms of internationalisation. In 2021, the co-operation with J-League side, Sanfrecce Hiroshima began and has now been extended for another three years. FC Managing Director, Markus Rejek and Academy Director, Lukas Berg announced the extension at a press conference in Hiroshima along with Managing Director from Sanfrecce, Shingo Senda, and Academy Director, Kentaro Sawada.

“It means a lot to us to be here today and, together with our friends from Sanfrecce, to announce the extension of our co-operation,” explained Markus Rejek. “FC has enjoyed a special relationship with Japan for years. With our partnership, we have built upon and filled the relationship with life. We are pleased that can continue on this path and continue to build upon on our successful partnership.”

Sporting discussion

At the heart of the co-operation is the sporting discussion, in a practical sense as well as in theory. In the past three years, FC coaches as well as the FC Football School have been in Hiroshima to meet and exchange views with Japanese players and coaches. Several players from Sanfrecce Hiroshima were also in Köln to train with the youth teams here at Geißbockheim. One of which is Yotaro Nakajima, who has been a regular part of the matchday squad.

“At FC and Sanfrecce, the youth academy is at the heart of matters. In the past, there were a few measures which have led to good and valuable discussion on both sides,” said Lukas Berg. “In the future, we will intensify our work together as well as the exchange of ideas. A yearly training camp for a team from Sanfrecce at FC is one of many measures that we want to make happen.”