Young players aged 8 to 14 in Santa Catarina are stepping onto the pitch to train under the methodologies of three top-flight German clubs, as regional outlets report on an ongoing international youth initiative.
Blumenau Venue Hosts German Methodology Sessions
Children and teenagers across the region are taking part in free soccer training sessions led by representatives from Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and RB Leipzig. The program is a collaborative effort between the KNN Football Academy—part of the Brazilian holding company KNN Group—and the Bundesliga, Germany’s premier football division. Sessions run on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. local time at Alameda Rio Branco, 697, in the Jardim Blumenau neighborhood of Blumenau, Santa Catarina.
While the initial sessions launched earlier in October 2026, the final scheduled training date takes place on October 24, 2026. According to Notícia Já, the program provides a total of 225 free spots across the calendar, with 75 participants admitted per event.
Comparing Total Event Capacity Across Regional Reports
Coverage of the academy’s October schedule varies slightly in total participant figures across regional media outlets. One report stated that 130 young athletes aged 8 to 14 would participate in the training sessions across the month, noting that the October 24 date would offer free slots at the Blumenau venue. Meanwhile, Notícia Já reported a total capacity of 225 participants, broken down into 75 slots for each of the three Saturday sessions held on October 10, October 17, and October 24, 2026.
| Reporting Outlet | Total Participant Slots | Session Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Source 1 | 130 young participants | Includes remaining slots for October 24 |
| Notícia Já | 225 total spots | 75 slots per event across three Saturdays |
Expanding Access to European Training Methods
The curriculum is designed to expose local youth to structured European coaching styles through practical exercises run by visiting club professionals. Each Saturday features a different Bundesliga club delegation, giving participants direct insight into varied athletic development frameworks used in Germany.
Reginaldo Kaeneêne, founder and president of the KNN Group, stated that the partnership bridges a gap for Brazilian youngsters seeking international sporting insights. “We are talking about clubs with tradition in athlete training that compete in one of the world’s main football leagues,” Kaeneêne said. He added that the program aims to teach fundamental values such as discipline, respect, teamwork, and resilience alongside on-field skills.
October 24 Program Offers Free Registration via WhatsApp
The final installment of the October 2026 program is set for Saturday, October 24, running from 10:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. at the Jardim Blumenau address. Registration for available openings is managed digitally through the organization’s dedicated communication channel at WhatsApp (47) 93382-9032, keeping the event accessible to families in the Santa Catarina municipality without enrollment fees.
