MLS And Adidas Signs Development Partnership With DFB

Major League Soccer and Adidas have signed a partnership with the German Football Association (DFB / Deutscher Fußball-Bund) that provides MLS academy goalkeeper coaches and young goalkeepers with training through a series of immersive development courses.

Through the partnership, MLS academy goalkeeper coaches will be guided through the same player training methodologies implemented by the world’s elite goalkeeper instructors. MLS has invited coaches from every club in the league to participate in the program which is based off the German method of goalkeeper coaching education, a staple of the DFB program since 2011.

The program will commence with a secondary weeklong training in North America where the mentors will place candidates through final classroom and field instruction sessions as part of their development period.

MLS Vice President and Technical Director Fred Lipka said: “Major League Soccer continues to be at the forefront of player development, and this innovative partnership with DFB and adidas ensures an important learning opportunity for both academy coaches and players. With both coaches and players engaging in this challenging environment, we expect this to have a tremendous impact on the future of goalkeepers in our country and we cannot wait to see the bright future in store for the participants.”

Head of DFB Goalkeeping Marc Ziegler said: “We are very proud to partner with MLS. Germany is worldwide known for its goalkeeper pedigree and tradition, everybody remembers the great saves of Oliver Kahn, Manuel Neuer or Marc-André ter Stegen. We always improve our goalkeeping program to reach the highest level and to support our coaches and talents. I am so delighted that we have the opportunity to share our knowledge with MLS and to learn from each other. We will have an inspiring time collaborating together.”