After getting to know Dario better last week, today we speak with Bärbel. She has been a Borussia Dortmund employee for more than 25 years and has plenty of exciting stories for you from her time here.

How long have you been with BVB and how did you come to us?

Answer: I have been working at Borussia Dortmund since 1 August 1995. I received a phone call from our manager at the time, Michael Meier. He asked me if I wanted to work in the fan shop (it was the only one at the time).
So I did.

At the beginning, what were your tasks at the BVB Evonik Football School, as the academy was called at the time?

Answer: I was basically the matron – the woman for EVERYTHING. I packed the kit for the participants, took care of the courses (procedures, organisation, I was the contact person for the coaches and parents on site, etc.), organised stadium tours with the kids, had great conversations with the parents (I am still in touch with some people I met in 2011 today) and much more.

Has a lot changed over the years? And what was the biggest change for you?

Answer: A lot has changed! Everything has become much more professional and the football academy is now represented all over the world! But the biggest change/challenge is happening at the moment, due to the pandemic.

No children, no parents or grandparents, home office – a crazy time that hopefully will soon turn back into a "normal" life!

Do you have a moment or a story that sticks in your mind and that you really want to share with us?

Answer: Julius from Vlotho and Nick from Dortmund (both born in 2002), who were on the very first courses in 2011, got to know each other here. That was the start of a strong friendship, not only between the boys, but also the mothers! Every year, they remained loyal to us and came for the various holiday courses offered. But that is not the end of my story …

Even when the boys were too old to take part in the courses, these two families met EVERY YEAR and visited us here in the academy to take a souvenir photo with me! Unfortunately, the pandemic upset our plans last year … but we will make it right! The bottom line: not only do you learn how to develop your football game here, but above all, you also make friends for life. J

This story is not the only lasting memory I have. I also remember Benevito from Berlin, who was with us on courses several times a year with his dear mum! A really nice goalkeeper who does things his way!

What are your hopes for the year? 

Answer: This year, I hope that we can return to a "normal" life and that there will be a lot of activity again on the grounds of the football academy!