Bundesliga legend Jürgen Klinsmann has propelled an aspiring youth competition in California, USA, named the International Silverlakes Cup.
The debut version of what is to be a yearly rivalry was held at the Silverlakes sports complex 45 miles east of downtown Los Angeles from 25-29 July this year. Helped to establish by previous Germany worldwide and USMNT head mentor Klinsmann in conjunction with the DFL, the point is to get the message out about the Bundesliga in the USA.
Keeping that in mind, the U-19 groups of three Bundesliga clubs – Borussia Dortmund, Hertha Berlin and VfB Stuttgart – all took an interest, close by their partners from Mexican Liga MX outfits Club Atlas and Club Tijuana, and in addition from MLS sides LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and Real So Cal.
“The most energizing part for us is that the players all live respectively in college quarters [on the grounds at the University of Irvine],” said Klinsmann. “They share the offices with alternate groups and that opens their eyes.”
In fact, nearby the aggressive part of the competition, one of the points is to unite youthful players and expand their viewpoints off the field. That has included sharing of the southern California way of life, from shared post-coordinate grills and diversion to exercises on the shoreline.
The groups were separated into two pools, with Hertha in the long run besting Group An and Dortmund Group B to advance to the last, which the Old Lady won 3-1. “It’s an extraordinary rivalry,” said Klinsmann a short time later. “It’s an incredible expectation to learn and adapt off the field and ideally we’ll see them back one year from now.”
Previous Stuttgart midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who is presently accountable for the club’s childhood foundation, was similarly energetic: “The boys look up to him [Klinsmann]. He’s taken the time to talk to us and that’s something they benefit from. The experience and passion he brings to this tournament has been excellent, it’s a big bonus.”
