The San Jose Earthquakes are hosting very special visitors this week with the German Football Association coming into Silicon Valley for six days. The jam-packed week will help kick off the collaboration between the DFB and the Earthquakes that was announced in July.
While in market, the DFB will spend time with numerous sports teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco 49ers and San Jose Sharks, meeting with executives and touring facilities. The Germans will also visit Google, Stanford and Tesla during their stay in the Bay Area and will spend significant time with key members of the Earthquakes Front Office and Quakes Academy. They will also work directly with the Academy coaches and players in both a classroom setting and directly hands-on at the Earthquakes Training Facility.
The Germans have become global leaders in the sport of soccer. From the construction of its youth system to the prominence of the Bundesliga to the success of the National Team, Germany is second to none and the recent awards and honors are evidence – led by the 2014 FIFA World Cup Trophy.
One way the German Football Association has surged ahead of the pack is by constantly pushing the envelope with knowledge and technology. Enter Silicon Valley.
The largest contingent of intelligence anywhere in the world can be found right here in the Earthquakes’ backyard. The Quakes have established strong relationships with many global brands headquartered in the region and the creation of the Innovation Advisory Board has led the charge, connecting the club with companies such as Intel, Sony, Pandora, Stanford University and more. The DFB will gain access to the minds that run these companies and others through their collaboration with San Jose, while providing the MLS side with soccer resources and knowledge for the First Team and Academy.
