Marconi, a former powerhouse of Australian soccer, are set to become a feeder club of Borussia Dortmund after signing a long-term youth development and marketing partnership with the German giants on Sunday.

Three of Marconi’s best youth players will have the chance to move to Dortmund every year as part of the agreement that will see the Bundesliga side establish a firm presence in Australian football, playing a key role in the development of youth in Sydney.

Dortmund regional managing director Suresh Letchmanan (back row, left) and ambassador Karl-Heinz Riedle (back row, third from left) with Marconi representatives. Credit:Chris Lane

A three-person delegation from Dortmund, including former German international Karl-Heinz Riedle, travelled to Bossley Park over the weekend to finalise an agreement with Marconi that will see Dortmund begin sending coaches and technical staff to Australia to assist with Marconi’s youth programs.

It’s understood the first coaches from Dortmund will arrive at Marconi in the July school holidays to assist in the development of youngsters at the club. Under the agreement, three of the best young players at Marconi will be brought over to Germany every year to join Dortmund’s youth team, widely regarded as one of the most successful academies in world football.