FC Goa, RB Leipzig announce strategic deal for 'youth development' ahead of new ISL season

In a major move ahe of ISL 2020-21 season, FC Goa have entered into a strategic partnership with Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig. partnership will run until 2023 and will focus on youth development, and Goa co-owner Akshay Tandon and Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff me anuncement on Thursday. partnership is likely to serve FC Goa well, with RB Leipzig having quickly grown to an elite club just 11 years into ir existence. 

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ISL news: FC Goa, RB Leipzig partner for youth development 

In a joint anuncement via a Zoom press conference, RB Leipzig and FC Goa have entered a strategic partnership ahe of ISL 2020-21 season. FC Goa RB Leipzig partnership is reportedly a first-of-its-kind partnership for Indian market and is t just a licensing deal like or Indian clubs enter with foreign teams. deal will see establishment and running of football camps for youngsters in Goa, before an expansion all over country. With threat of coronavirus pandemic still at large, partnership will see a series of a specially curated online class. 

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FC Goa RB Leipzig partnership will also see RB Acemy coaches flying into India once travel is safe. Some FC Goa coaches and youth team players will also be travelling to Germany vanced training at RB facilities in Leipzig. While Leipzig CEO Mantzlaff stated that this was first step towards increasing co-operation between two clubs, he affirmed that Red Bull will t be bringing FC Goa under ir umbrella of clubs.

Red Bull have been highly active in association football, and own following seven clubs: FC Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Brasil, Red Bull Braganti, RB Leipzig, Red Bull Ghana and FC Liefering. 

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This is RB Leipzig's first foray into Asian market and  primary purpose appears to be to increase reach and expand global footprint of club. Mantzlaff mentioned that after unprecedented domestic success in first 11 years of ir existence it was time for club to move global. He also hinted at Leipzig first team coming to India but did t mention a time frame due to current coronavirus situation. partnership will help Bundesliga giants carve out a large piece of untapped market and ir association with a local club is likely to help ir popularity. 

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FC Goa co-owner Tandon h earlier expressed need for investment in Indian football and while this is t a direct investment, idea is backed by same thought process. defending ISL league-st winners will avail technical expertise and kwledge that has helped Leipzig reach Champions League semi-final in just 11 years of ir existence.

FC Goa place emphasis on youth development which bodes well with RB Leipzig and deal represents next step in expanding ir youth programme.  It also helps that both teams aspire to be modern club that aims to be aggressive on and off pitch. partnership also helps Goa level up ir scouting and development network without overextending ir own finances. 

(Im Courtesy: RB Leipzig, FC Goa Instagram)