In March 2026, the Hefei City Football League kicked off, sparking citywide enthusiasm for the sport. As one of the first cities in China designated for the development of school football, Hefei has long cultivated a vibrant football culture.
As football gains momentum across the city, IGS has partnered with VfL Wolfsburg to bring international, professional football education to our school.
IGS × VfL Wolfsburg
Founded in 1945, Bundesliga powerhouse VfL Wolfsburg has won both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. Renowned across Europe for its elite youth academy and professional coaching philosophy, the club embodies the discipline and resilience of German football which are values that align closely with IGS’s mission of holistic education.
This semester, the partnership reached a new milestone: Enis Davran, head coach at the VfL Wolfsburg Football Academy, has joined IGS to bring world-class training and coaching expertise to the campus, energising Hefei’s school football scene.
Enis Davran: Professionalism and Passion Empower IGS
With 25 years of playing experience and 16 years as a professional coach, Enis believes football is far more than a sport. For him, it is a powerful tool for character development. “Today, my biggest motivation is to share my knowledge, to support young players and to see their progress, and especially to see their smiles when they reach the next step.”
Starting this semester, Enis will lead IGS’s ECA football programme, summer camps and weekend training sessions. His structured, child-centred approach builds fitness, skills and teamwork in an enjoyable environment.
Drawing on VfL Wolfsburg’s core values of respect, equality and holistic development, he focuses not only on technical and tactical skills but also on fostering perseverance, responsibility and collaboration.
His message to young footballers is simple: “Free to try things, to make decisions, and to make mistakes, because mistakes are a very important point of learning.”
Unity Through Football, Roots Deep in Hefei
In Enis’s view, IGS reflects the character of Hefei perfectly: modern, dynamic and constantly evolving. Both the school and the city combine a rich local heritage with a broad international outlook. Football, he believes, is a universal language that transcends borders, tongues and cultures. On the pitch, a shared shout, a well-timed pass and a collective effort are enough to bring children together and help them build genuine friendships.
IGS also upholds its commitment to holistic education by integrating football into its academic curriculum. Alongside German and English instruction, the school uses football as a central means of fostering cross-cultural exchange, enabling every student to flourish in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Looking ahead, IGS will expand its partnership with VfL Wolfsburg, launching further football programmes to nurture a new generation of talent: young people with global vision, integrity and sportsmanship, rooted right here in dynamic Hefei.