Borussia Dortmund announce partnership with Polish top-flight side Widzew Łódź
Borussia Dortmund have announced a partnership with Polish Ekstraklasa side Widzew Łódź that aims to develop German and Polish football co-operation and also build on the proud history of Polish players in Black and Yellow.
Legendary former Dortmund full-back Łukasz Piszczek is to serve as an ambassador of the partnership, which will focus on youth development as well as exchanging knowledge in other areas.
Carsten Cramer said as a spokesperson for the club's management: "Poland and Borussia Dortmund have been bound by a genuine friendship for many years. Players like Ebi Smolarek, Robert Lewandowski, Kuba Błaszczykowski, and Łukasz Piszczek have helped foster tremendous enthusiasm for Black and Yellow there.
"Following the BVB academies in Warsaw and Silesia, the partnership with Widzew Łódź is the next step, and we are very excited about it."
By running the BVB Global School of Excellence programme and BVB International Academy Experience in Łódź, more Polish talents are expected to be invited to Dortmund under the partnership.
Following their 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the season-opening Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, Dortmund are preparing to open the new Bundesliga campaign at home to Hamburg this Saturday (kick-off: 6.30pm CEST).
