RB Leipzig and Chief Relationship Officer Ulrich Wolter have been in close contact with the U.S. Consulate General in Leipzig for some time already. In order to intensify that relationship, U.S. Ambassador to Germany Dr. Amy Gutmann and Consul General John Crosby were guests at RB Leipzig building up to the Bundesliga home game against Werder Bremen, with the Red Bulls’ upcoming US tour this summer of course a lead topic of conversation.

After being welcomed at the RBL Football Academy at Cottaweg, Dr. Gutmann was given various insights into day-to-day life within the club’s youth setup by the likes of academy director Manuel Baum, from the school-education and talent-development programs, to training methods with innovative tools such as the SoccerBot360. A panel discussion with players from the RBL ladies’ team and the U16s rounded off the visit.

The highlight of the day then followed with a trip to the Red Bull Arena. Dr. Gutmann was greeted by RBL CEO Johann Plenge and Minister President for Saxony Michael Kretschmer and experienced the spectacular atmosphere of the stadium pitch-side, before enjoying the game from the V.I.P. RBL Box.

Dr. Amy Gutmann about the RBL training center:

“It was inspiring to engage with the young players and to see their excitement and passion. Their enthusiasm is contagious! These young people are future role-models and I encouraged them to be a force of positive change to foster diversity and inclusion both in their sport and beyond. Now more than ever we need young role models to stand up and speak out to combat hatred and prejudice.”

Dr. Amy Gutman about the game:

“I was thrilled for the opportunity to see RB Leipzig in action. I wish the team all the best for their U.S. tour. It is great to see how sports teams like RB Leipzig use the connecting power of sports to further strengthen the ties between Germany and the United States.”