Thuringia Becomes First Partner Region of German Football Association

Historic partnership agreement runs through 2031, establishing Thuringia as a key training base for DFB national teams

BLANKENHAIN, Germany – August 5, 2025 – The Free State of Thuringia has officially become the first partner region of the German Football Association (DFB), marking a historic milestone in German football development. The partnership was announced today at a media event in Blankenhain, featuring Minister-President Mario Voigt, DFB Sports Director Andreas Rettig, and DFB Vice President Hermann Winkler.

Comprehensive Partnership Agreement

The cooperation agreement, running until December 31, 2031, establishes Thuringia as a premier training destination for multiple DFB representative teams, including:

• Senior men’s and women’s national teams
• Women’s U20 and U23 national teams
• Men’s U21 national team
• Additional DFB development squads

This partnership positions Thuringia as a strategic hub for German football’s preparation for international competitions and tournaments.

Proven Track Record

Thuringia has already demonstrated exceptional hosting capabilities through recent high-profile training camps. The senior men’s national team completed their preparation for UEFA EURO 2024 in the region, with memorable moments including an enthusiastic public welcome in Blankenhain and a fantastic atmosphere during the public training session in Jena.

During EURO 2024, the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land, located 30 kilometers from Erfurt, served as the base camp for the English national team. Most recently, the German U21 national team utilized Blankenhain facilities while preparing for the 2025 European Championships in Slovakia.

International Football Development Trends

The partnership reflects a growing trend in international football where national associations are establishing regional training hubs to optimize preparation. This approach mirrors successful models seen across various leagues, where teams like Eintracht Frankfurt have shown the value of consistent training environments in developing a competitive edge and team chemistry.

Regional Pride and Commitment

“The Free State of Thuringia is proud to be the first partner region of the German Football Association to stand alongside German football,” stated Minister-President Mario Voigt. “This partnership is more than a symbolic commitment; it stands for shared values such as performance, commitment, and the will to succeed.”

Voigt emphasized Thuringia’s unique position: “Thuringia is not only geographically located in the heart of Germany – it is also symbolically the ‘Green Heart’ of football.”

The Minister-President highlighted the region’s advantages, including modern infrastructure, convenient distances, and genuine hospitality, stating: “We will do our part to ensure that German football returns to the top internationally – with Thuringian passion and hospitality.”

Strategic Expansion for German Football

DFB Sports Director Andreas Rettig praised the partnership’s strategic value: “Our goal is to be present in various regions of Germany and to showcase ourselves to the fans there. Through the partnership with Thuringia, we now have another opportunity in eastern Germany.”

Rettig acknowledged the region’s football heritage: “Football has a long tradition in Thuringia; the people here are football-mad and excellent hosts. The DFB’s senior and U21 national teams were recently able to experience this during their stays in the Weimar region.”

Eastern Germany Focus

DFB Vice President Hermann Winkler, who also serves as President of the Northeast German Football Association and Saxon Football Association, emphasized the partnership’s regional significance: “We look forward to further expanding this collaboration in the coming years and deliberately expanding to eastern Germany.”

Winkler highlighted the comprehensive appeal of the region: “In addition to the perfect sporting conditions and outstanding infrastructure, we were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm for our teams in Thuringia.”

Foundation for Success

The partnership builds on proven success, with Winkler noting: “We have felt very comfortable there so far and have laid the foundation for two successful tournaments.”

This historic agreement represents more than logistical convenience—it symbolizes the DFB’s commitment to regional development and fan engagement across Germany while providing national teams with world-class preparation facilities in the heart of the country.

The partnership positions Thuringia as a cornerstone of German football’s future success, combining the region’s passionate football culture with the DFB’s pursuit of international excellence.

Building champions in the heart of Germany. 🇩🇪⚽

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