International Talent Program

The 1. FC Köln International Talent Program offers a unique opportunity for selected international players to immerse themselves in a professional football development environment.

The participants train at the 1. FC Köln Football School in Germany for 3 to 12 months under the guidance of experienced, UEFA-licensed coaches from FC Köln. Since 2018, the program has been successfully organized in collaboration with international partners: Warubi Sports / Germany Soccer Academy (North America), Soccerlife and Improve (Japan), and BP Sports (Brazil).

Training takes place five times per week on the Ostkampfbahn training ground—located directly next to the RheinEnergieSTADION, home of 1. FC Köln. Players also participate in up to four matches per month against national and international opponents. In addition, players are observed by scouts from 1. FC Köln’s academy. In addition to playing against local and regional competition, the 1. FC Köln ITP has in recent years visited London, toured FC Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, and played against Premier League academy team Crystal Palace. The team also traveled nationally to Hamburg and to Bayern Munich, where they competed and visited academies and stadiums.

Off the field, participants take part in German language courses and live in Cologne to fully engage in a cultural exchange and immerse themselves in everyday life in Germany. Players also have the option to continue their education online or in person—whether through High School, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or UEFA licensing programs. The #1-ranked Sport Science University in Germany (and #17 globally) is located directly next to the stadium.

Accommodation, visa support, and travel arrangements are handled by official program partners, while the 1. FC Köln Football School oversees football development.

Starting in Summer 2025, 1. FC Köln is breaking new ground

In addition to its already successful program for male players, 1. FC Köln is launching a new international talent program for young, talented female footballers. With this initiative, 1. FC Köln is making a strong commitment to the development of international women’s football and creating new opportunities for ambitious female players from around the world.

The main goal is to identify and develop top female players who aspire to break into the European football market.

During an initial 3-month period, participants train daily with FC Köln staff, take basic German language classes, complete comprehensive physical and technical assessments, and participate in matches and tryouts—all while being monitored by 1. FC Köln scouts and partners, as well as U.S. club and college recruiters.

Simon Scheibe, Sporting Director of the 1. FC Köln Football School Heinz Flohe, says:

“Young and ambitious footballers from outside Germany can now profit from the experience of the FC coaches. The program makes the development quality that FC offers better known, as well as increasing awareness of FC on the international market.”

Jorge Arcila, Head Coach of the 1. FC Köln International Talent Program, adds:

“Our focus is on providing a professional and individual coaching environment to help each player grow both on and off the pitch.”

Herbert Biste, Recruitment Director of Warubi Sports, concludes:

“This is an incredible opportunity for international players. Whether their goal is to reach the next level in Germany with FC Köln or other clubs, or earn a college scholarship in the U.S., this program provides a proven path for development and exposure.”

Services of the 1. FC Köln International Talent Program

Five training sessions per week led by UEFA-licensed 1. FC Köln coaches
Up to four matches per month
Video analysis, performance assessments, and athletic testing
Full FC training and game-day clothes and personalized performance report
Visits to Bundesliga home matches and access to observe 1. FC Köln training sessions
All other services (accommodation, visas, etc.) are covered by our partner agencies.

FAQ

Contact information

North America

Warubi Sports:

Number: +49 170 2641 759

Japan

ホームページ | SOCCER+LIFE | サッカー留学

https://www.soocerlifefussballschule.com

Mariko Engels +49 1797260263

LINE ID: 1992050610 marikoengels1992@yahoo.de

Improve AG Hiromasa Satohiro.improve@gmail.com

1. FC Köln

Karoline Heinze: heinze@fc.de

Simon Scheibe: scheibe@fc.de

What level are the coaches who train the players?

Players are coached by experienced and UEFA-licensed FC Köln coaches.

Which age groups will be recruited?

Men’s Team

The program is designed for players aged 16–23, and is best suited for:

High School Players (16–18):
Focus on developing their game, competing at higher levels against older players, and building connections for semi-pro, professional, or college soccer.
Gap Year Players (18–20):
Focus on gaining exposure and improving their recruiting profile and videos to pursue semi-pro, professional, or college opportunities.
College or (Semi-) Pro Players (20+):
Experienced players looking for exposure and potential transfers to semi-pro, professional, or college teams, with the option to continue their degree online.

Women’s Team

The program is primarily designed for players aged 18–24 and is best suited for:

College Graduates (21+):
Former college soccer players seeking professional or semi-professional opportunities, with the option to continue their education online or start a new career path in football.
College or (Semi-) Pro Players (20+):
Players with experience in college or semi-pro/professional soccer aiming for exposure and potential transfers to semi-pro, professional, or college teams, with or without continuing their degree online.
Gap Year Players (18–20): High school graduates focusing on gaining exposure and optimizing their recruiting profile and videos to pursue opportunities in semi-pro, professional, or college soccer.

How long is the season and when does it start?

The season starts in July, with additional options to join in October, January, or April. You can join for 3, 6, or 10 months, depending on roster availability.

Do I need German before arrival?

No - English and German is used in coaching sessions.

Does the program handle visa and language classes for international players?

Accommodation, visa support, language programs, and travel arrangements are handled by official program partners, while the 1. FC Köln Football School oversees football development.

How long does it take to get recruited?

Recruiting is year-round and can take anywhere from one to nine months, depending on the current roster and available spots. We recommend applying as soon as possible through our partner agencies to allow enough time for the process, including visa arrangements, language preparation, and admission.

What are the costs of the program?

The FC Köln International Talent Program is a full-time program with a fee that can be paid either as a one-time payment or in installments. The costs cover all expenses directly related to the program. A detailed breakdown will be provided and explained transparently during the recruitment process through our partner agencies.

How to get started?

Contact one of our partner agencies to start the recruitment process.