Youth Development at the FC Bayern Campus: Daily Life, Performance, and Recovery

There’s more to the performance at the FC Bayern Campus than just talent. It’s the processes, routines, and people behind the scenes that help shape development. A look at the work behind the scenes—an interview with athletic trainer Felix Bachmaier and U19 team manager Ben Zetzsche.

Organization, Closeness, and Responsibility

At the Campus, workflows are seamlessly integrated, and processes run smoothly—exactly as they should. Ben Zetzsche, team manager of the U19s, plays a central role in this.

“Ideally, you don’t even notice I’m there—that’s when everything runs smoothly.”

As team manager, he ensures that players and staff can focus fully on their performance. His role extends far beyond traditional organizational tasks.

BLACKROLL: How far does your role extend in your day-to-day work on campus?

Ben Zetzsche:

“I’m the go-to guy for everything related to the team—for everything that doesn’t happen on the field.”

From travel planning and coordinating with schools to day-to-day matters: The players’ daily lives are complex—and that’s exactly where his work comes in.

BLACKROLL: What makes a difference in the players’ daily lives?

Ben Zetzsche: “It’s a fine line: not taking too much off the guys’ plates, but at the same time supporting them as best as possible.”

An Environment That Brings People Together

What makes the campus special isn’t just the infrastructure—it’s the sense of community. The key lies in the daily collaboration between coaches, staff, and players.

“I love coming to the campus every day. So many young people in one place, all sharing the same passion.”

The energy is palpable: ambitious, focused, and driven by a shared goal.

“The closeness in our daily lives builds trust. We spend five to six days a week together—and still see each other outside of work as well.”

This connection extends beyond the training field. It builds trust—and becomes the foundation for growth.

Over the years, this develops into more than just an organizational relationship. The players are supported through important stages of life—and a genuine bond develops from this.

Everyday Life at the Top Level

To ensure the players can focus fully on their performance, everything comes together behind the scenes. Travel, routines, organization—every detail is designed to minimize stress and enable focus.

“We try to create perfect conditions—from short distances to meals right after the game.”

Here’s an example of what that looks like in everyday life: “When the guys get on the bus after a game, we’ve already prepared a warm, carbohydrate-rich meal so they can recharge their energy right away.”

It’s precisely these details—which are rarely visible—that make all the difference.

Talent is the starting point—not the deciding factor

It’s about continuing to develop every day—and creating the conditions that allow players to take the next step.

“Sometimes they need setbacks, too, to learn from them and ultimately take two or three steps forward.”

Development isn’t a linear process. It arises from friction, challenges—and the willingness to grow through them. “The key is for the guys to stay hungry and want to keep improving,” says Felix.

Recovery as Part of Performance

Performance isn’t just the result of exertion—it comes from finding the right balance. At the campus, recovery isn’t an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the system.

“Periods of high intensity are necessary—recovery is the counterbalance.”

To achieve this balance, a variety of targeted measures are employed. A mix of active and passive methods is just as much a part of this as fixed structures in daily life. Recovery is not just addressed on an ad hoc basis but is systematically integrated—with designated days and supplementary measures implemented daily to cushion the impact of acute stress.

The framework also plays a crucial role. Recovery deliberately takes place in clearly defined spaces and time slots—not only physically, but also mentally.

In everyday life, it’s often simple routines that have a lasting effect. Soft-tissue treatments can be easily integrated into the daily training routine and provide players with direct feedback on their physical condition.

Openness to these topics has grown significantly in recent years. Players are becoming increasingly conscious of their bodies—even if the greatest motivation often arises only after an injury.

More Than Just Training

What is taking shape at the FC Bayern Campus goes beyond soccer development. It’s a system of people, processes, and routines—an environment that challenges, supports, and enables growth—all to help talented players make the leap to professional sports.