Call for Enhanced Youth Labour: Wück Advocates for More Workers in Wamser and Kett Sectors
Following Germany's elimination from the European Championship, Christian Wück, the Bundestrainer, has called for improved youth development of female footballers in the country. The 0:1 semi-final loss to Spain prompted Wück's call for action, as he noted that Germany is much further behind in the junior girls' area compared to the junior boys' area.
Wück emphasised that success can only be achieved through collaboration between clubs and associations. He urged both the association and the clubs to take action, and this year, the DFB certified the first three performance and three talent promotion centres in the female sector.
Spain, the current world champion, has been praised by Wück for their exceptional talents. The match against Wück's team showcased Spain's ability to let the ball run and their players' individual techniques that were pleasing to watch. Wück stated that more players like Franziska Kett (20) and Carlotta Wamser (21) are needed for international success.
The DFB is taking significant steps to improve youth development of female footballers in Germany. Their Talent Development program for U15 female players employs rigorous multidimensional performance assessments, including sprinting, tactical skills, psychosocial measures, and technical drills. This scientific, data-driven approach improves the selection and development of promising talents.
Moreover, the DFB is running the “Future Leaders in Football” (FLF) program, aimed at strengthening and increasing female leadership in football. This intensive workshop trains young women in various football-related roles, from marketing to competitions management, enhancing their visibility and influence within the sport. This leadership initiative fosters an environment conducive to female talent development and gender equality in football.
The FLF program is part of the DFB’s wider “FF27” strategy and “Female Brilliance” project that promote diversity, volunteering, and leadership training for women, seeking to improve conditions and opportunities for female players and executives alike.
While specific club measures are less detailed, it is standard practice that German clubs implement DFB guidelines and contribute to talent scouting and development via youth academies aligned with DFB’s scientific and leadership frameworks, nurturing players who reach national and international stages like Franziska Kett and Carlotta Wamser.
In summary, the DFB combines scientific talent identification and development methods with leadership and gender equality initiatives, supported by club involvement, to elevate female youth football in Germany and produce more international-level players. The association and clubs are actively working towards creating a more competitive environment for female footballers in the future.
- Christian Wück, the Bundestrainer, has acknowledged the exceptional talents displayed by Spain's female team in the European Championship, and he believes that Germany needs more players like Franziska Kett and Carlotta Wamser for international success, as health-and-wellness plays a crucial role in the development of womens-health and sports.
- To improve the development of female footballers in Germany, the DFB has initiated several programs including the Talent Development program for U15 players that uses a scientific, data-driven approach, similar to the practice in the science and sports-analysis fields.
- In addition to improving youth development, the DFB's "FF27" strategy and "Female Brilliance" project also focuses on fostering female leadership in sports, specifically within the field of football, to promote gender equality and diversity, reflecting the importance of health-and-wellness and womens-health in the realm of sports and science.
