NEWS

Beijing. The 2023 Volkswagen Football Charity Day, initiated by Volkswagen and its charity partner One Foundation, successfully concluded in Beijing. Volkswagen donated four football pitches and 1,560 Volkswagen Football Charity Kits to schools in underdeveloped areas in Qinghai, Gansu, and Sichuan Provinces. Nearly 600 participants enjoyed this charity event, experiencing the football joy, and their involvement played a crucial part of Volkswagen’s volunteer efforts to support youth football. The event featured the VfL Wolfsburg youth football training sessions, football challenges and ID. Football Bazaar, and culminated in the ID. Cup Friendly Match which brought together two village schools for a spirited match. 

Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand, said: “Football connects people and also plays a valuable role in youth development. It has the power to facilitate both individual and team growth, while building healthy passions and habits. This year marks the tenth year of our continual commitment. Going forward, we will keep fostering the holistic growth of youth in China.”

The 2023 Volkswagen Football Charity Day brought a range of engaging activities. Volkswagen engaged VfL Wolfsburg coaches to provide training sessions for children. Young footballers from villages in Sichuan and Guangxi provinces had the opportunity to put their talents to the test in the ID. Cup Friendly Match. The event included technical challenges in dribbling, juggling, obstacle courses, and football mazes. There were also engaging football challenges. The on-site ID. Football Bazaar featured eight ID. cars, each carrying heartfelt messages of support to the young players in attendance. 

Volkswagen's youth football initiative in China began with the 2013 Rainbow Bridge Program. The company has a longstanding commitment to supporting youth football development, introducing German professional youth training resources into China, leading to Volkswagen Group China’s "Train-the-Trainer Program," the "Youth Football Training Camp," and "Football Charity Day." Simultaneously, Volkswagen provides young people and coaches with opportunities for exchanges, training, and competitions in Germany. Together, these initiatives have benefited 100,000 young players and trained nearly 600 coaches since commencing. Since 2021, Volkswagen launched its new Volkswagen Youth Football project, focusing on grassroots-level youth football, especially its development in rural areas. Looking forward, Volkswagen is determined to expand the project, offering a wider range of football activities to make a difference in the lives of even more young people in China.

2023 Volkswagen Football Charity Day sparks football dreams in young people

Volkswagen and its charity partner One Foundation donated four football pitches and 1560 Volkswagen football charity kits to young people in underdeveloped areas

Volkswagen engaged VfL Wolfsburg coaches to provide training sessions for children

The on-site ID. Football Bazaar featured eight ID. cars, each carrying heartfelt messages of support to the young players in attendance

Young footballers from villages in Sichuan and Guangxi provinces had the opportunity to put their talents to the test in the ID. Cup Friendly Match

Stefan Mecha, CEO of Volkswagen China Passenger Cars Brand, presented the awards for the ID. Cup Friendly Match