In April 2024, Borussia Dortmund (BVB) partnered with RIS Swiss Section – Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok to launch the BVB International Academy Thailand, transforming the Bulldogs Football Academy into a premier youth development program. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of football training for young athletes in Thailand by integrating BVB’s renowned training methodologies with local coaching expertise. A key component of this initiative was the development of a custom registration form, designed specifically for the new academy and integrated with RIS Swiss Section’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
Background
Partnership Overview
Organizations Involved: Borussia Dortmund (BVB) and RIS Swiss Section – Deutschsprachige Schule Bangkok.
Objective: To establish a professional youth football academy that provides high-quality training and development opportunities for young players in Bangkok.
Significance: A BVB coach will be stationed permanently at RIS Swiss Section, working alongside local coaches to ensure high training standards and effective mentorship. Read for more.
Challenges
As a new initiative, the BVB International Academy Thailand faced several challenges:
Need for an Efficient Registration System: With the academy’s launch, there was an immediate requirement for a streamlined registration process to facilitate player enrollment.
Data Management Requirements: The academy needed an effective system for collecting and managing player information to support training and communication.
Scalability for Growth: Anticipating rapid enrollment, the solution needed to accommodate a growing number of participants while maintaining organization and efficiency.
Solution
To address these challenges, a custom registration form was developed and integrated with the RIS Swiss Section CRM. Key features of the registration form included:
User-Friendly Design: The form was designed with an intuitive interface to make the registration process simple and accessible for parents and players.
CRM Integration: The form was fully integrated with the RIS Swiss Section CRM, enabling automatic data capture and management for all registered players.
Customizable Fields: Tailored fields were created to gather specific information required for BVB’s training programs, allowing for personalized training plans for each participant.
Automated Communication: The system included automatic notifications to keep coaches and administrators informed about new registrations and updates.
Implementation
The implementation process involved several key steps:
Needs Assessment: Collaborating with RIS Swiss Section stakeholders to identify specific requirements for the new registration system.
Design and Development: Creating a prototype of the registration form, incorporating feedback to ensure it met the needs of both the academy and its participants.
Testing and Launch: Conducting thorough testing to ensure functionality and reliability before officially launching the form on the RIS Swiss Section website.
Results
The introduction of the custom registration form resulted in several positive outcomes:
Successful Launch of the Academy: With an efficient registration system in place, the BVB International Academy Thailand successfully enrolled over 80 players shortly after its launch.
Streamlined Data Management: The integration with the CRM enabled easy access to player data, improving overall organization and communication within the academy.
Increased Engagement: Parents expressed satisfaction with the streamlined registration process, contributing to a positive perception of the academy and its programs.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Borussia Dortmund and RIS Swiss Section signifies a transformative step in youth football development in Thailand. The successful implementation of a custom registration form has laid a strong foundation for the BVB International Academy Thailand, ensuring efficient player onboarding, effective data management, and a focus on delivering high-quality training. This case study illustrates the importance of tailored technology solutions in supporting the growth and professionalism of sports initiatives, ultimately benefiting players, coaches, and the community.