Bayern Munich has been working to expand their reach beyond Germany for many years now. Through the Red&Gold Football initiative (creating partnerships with clubs in Uruguay, Venezuela, America, West Africa and more) and the Bayern World Squad, the Bavarians have tried to spread their appeal and scouting to as far as they can.
But they have also always had a particular interest in establishing themselves as a force in the USA. The club have opened up an office in New York back in 2014 (managing over
200 fan clubs). They have worked with MLS clubs like FC Dallas and Los Angeles FC, among others, to allow talent to train in Munich. They have held official FC Bayern camps throughout the country.
Now they might open up their own academy in the USA, too.
According to BILD reporter Tobi Altschäffl, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, plans to lease property for an academy in the USA are already underway:
Bayern are planning to open an academy in California. The club intends to permanently lease space at the ‘Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center’ in order to have their own Campus there for U15 and U17 players. Since players of that age are not yet allowed to move to Germany, the new academy would allow Bayern to secure talents from the US market earlier. Furthermore, it is intended to strengthen the cooperation with Los Angeles FC.
Will this long term bet of Bayern’s of finding serious talent in the USA truly work out? With how much focus they are putting on the country, it would be a little unfortunate if it did not.
