Brazil eyes German youth football model

The old saying goes that if you can't beat them, join them. And the adage has struck a chord with Brazil's football federation (CBF) in the aftermath of the national team's 7-1 World Cup semifinal defeat to Germany last July.

According to local press reports, the CBF has sought the help of Double Pass, a Belgian football consultancy firm credited with revolutionizing Germany's youth system.

Double Pass evaluates youth academies from clubs in the country's top two divisions on an annual basis.

Among the areas assessed are infrastructure and facilities, support and training, communication and cooperation, organization and procedure, and strategy and finances.

The findings are then submitted to the German football association, which certifies each club with a star rating based on the study's results.

Introduced by Germany's FA in 2007, the initiative has reportedly led to a sharp increase in the number of accredited coaches in the country, improvements to stadiums and training facilities and greater financial transparency.

Most importantly, it has led to success on the pitch.

Last year's World Cup triumph by Joachim Low's team was preceded by third placings at Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup

Following its German success, the Double Pass methodology has been adopted in the English Premier League, the Belgian Pro League and by clubs in the United States.

According to Brazilian news portal Uol, the CBF is also studying the successful youth systems at local clubs Atletico Mineiro, Santos and Sao Paulo.

"The CBF's intention is to implement a tropical model that uses aspects of European methods and adapts them to Brazil," the portal said.

It is understood the CBF has raised the prospect of financing infrastructure projects using funds from its sponsors.

The plan is said to have come at the behest of incoming CBF president Marco Polo Del Nero, who will replace Jose Maria Marin on April 16. Endi