The start of the new football season marks a new chapter for RFC Malmundaria. Following an exceptionally successful season, attention now turns to the future: new sporting ambitions, continued development of the “Frédéric Waseige” Youth Academy and the realisation of a vision that first emerged several years ago.
KARL HUGO has supported the Young Dragons from the outset. It was never just the sporting aspect that convinced us. It was the idea of creating long-term opportunities for young people in the local area and establishing a training centre that imparts values that extend far beyond football.Today, more than ever, that vision is bearing fruit.
A season full of milestones
From a sporting perspective, last season could hardly have been more successful. The first team secured promotion to Division 3 (D3), taking the club to a national level. The youth teams also delivered impressive performances. Several teams won championships or cup competitions, further demonstrating the Academy’s continued progress.However, for Philippe Schumacher, President of RFC Malmundaria, these results are only part of the story. What is even more important to him is seeing the tangible results of many years of investment in youth development.
This season, for the first time, three young players from the 3rd Provincial Division (P3) will join the first-team squad in Division 3 (D3). This is precisely the goal that the club set out to achieve when the Young Dragons were founded: to nurture talent within the region and provide a pathway for young players into senior football.
“When we started the Academy, we had a long-term vision. Today, we can see that this approach is working.”
Quality attracts quality
The club’s sporting success is no coincidence. It is the result of a consistent approach that has been developed step by step through the “Frédéric Waseige” Youth Academy over the past several years.The Young Dragons have evolved into a regional training centre. From the youngest age groups through to the first team, the club now follows a shared sporting philosophy. Qualified coaches support players throughout their development, teaching them not only football skills but also values such as respect, discipline and team spirit.
News of this development has spread well beyond Malmedy. An increasing number of talented young players from Malmedy and the surrounding municipalities, as well as from Belgium’s German-speaking Community, are actively choosing to join the Young Dragons.
Philippe Schumacher sums up this development in one sentence: “Quality attracts quality.”
A club that continues to evolve
This positive development is not confined to what happens on the pitch. In recent years, RFC Malmundaria has also made significant progress off the pitch.The club facilities and clubhouse have been extensively modernised to create an environment that reflects the club’s growth and ambitions. At the same time, the club's sporting structures have become increasingly professional. Clearly defined responsibilities, a consistent training philosophy and dedicated sporting coordinators ensure that the Academy continues to develop in a structured way.
With over 300 players, RFC Malmundaria is now one of the largest football clubs in the region. This growth naturally brings new challenges, particularly in terms of infrastructure and club organisation. However, the club remains committed to the same long-term approach that has shaped its development over the past several years.
More than just a sponsorship!
It is precisely this long-term mindset that connects RFC Malmundaria and KARL HUGO.When Philippe Schumacher first presented his idea to Bernd Hugo around ten years ago, the aim was not to achieve short-term sporting success. The focus was on building structures, developing people, and providing young talent with the opportunity to forge a future in their home region.
“When Philippe presented his project to me, it was clear that the club’s aim was to create something sustainable that would bring people together. This long-term, inclusive approach fits perfectly with KARL HUGO”, Bernd Hugo emphasises in the interview.
After all, sustainable success in both sport and industry does not happen overnight. It is achieved through training, continuous improvement, clear structures, and people willing to take responsibility. And behind it all is the strength of the team!
Moving forward together
The start of the new season marks the next stage in the Young Dragons' development.From a sporting perspective, the first team aims to secure its long-term position in D3. Meanwhile, P3 will continue to be strengthened as an important link between the Youth Academy and senior football. This will enable even more young players to progress to the first team in future.
The Academy itself will also continue along its chosen path, with qualified coaches, a shared training philosophy, and the ambition to equip young people with not only sporting skills, but also life skills.
For KARL HUGO, supporting the Young Dragons is about much more than sponsorship. It reflects a shared belief that investing in young people creates opportunities for sport, the region and life itself!
