The Borussia Dortmund women's football squad has officially started its intensive training camp in the serene surroundings of Westendorf, Austria. A comprehensive delegation of 45 members, including 28 players, arrived with the objective of honing their skills and integrating new talent. This period is crucial for developing team cohesion and tactical understanding ahead of their challenging season.
Borussia Dortmund Women's Team Intensifies Preparations in Austrian Alps
On a bright Friday, July 17, 2026, precisely at 12:30 PM UTC, the Borussia Dortmund women's team bus made its way into Westendorf's village square, pulling up in front of the esteemed Hotel Schermer. A robust contingent of 45 individuals, comprising 28 dedicated players, had embarked on this journey to the heart of the Austrian Alps. This group was not merely limited to the senior first team; it also thoughtfully included promising young talents such as Mia Böger and Nora Willeke from the reserve squad, along with Ajshe Bitiq, a standout player from the U17 team, all of whom joined the main squad for this critical preparatory phase in Austria.
Coach Markus Högner articulated the clear objectives of this training stint, stating, "We are treating our time here as a regular, rigorous training week, leveraging the superb conditions to work towards our friendly match against a formidable opponent and primarily focusing on seamlessly integrating our new players." He further elaborated on the specifics of the training regimen: "We have meticulously developed a comprehensive playbook, outlining our core principles, which has already been communicated to the team. The current emphasis is on embedding particular procedures during training sessions, especially refining our approach to pressing strategies."
A significant highlight of this alpine training camp will be an eagerly anticipated friendly fixture against Bundesliga newcomer FSV Mainz 05. This match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, with kickoff at 5:00 PM local time in the adjacent town of Hopfgarten im Brixental. For fans unable to attend in person, Pluto TV will provide a live stream of the game. Following their return on Friday, July 24, the team faces another rigorous test: a match against the Dutch first-division club SC Heerenveen. This encounter is set for Sunday, July 26, at 3:30 PM, at their home training center in Dortmund-Brackel.
The proactive approach taken by the Borussia Dortmund women's team in undertaking this intensive training camp in Austria underscores their commitment to excellence. By focusing on both tactical development and player integration, they are not only preparing for immediate challenges but also building a strong foundation for future successes. Such focused preparation is vital in competitive football, and the team's dedication bodes well for their upcoming season.
