In the unassuming surroundings of Stockholm's west side, Brommapojkarna FC has forged an identity as one of Europe's most innovative clubs. With a 5,000-seat stadium and a modest budget, they're defying conventional wisdom by producing some of the continent's top talent. The club's mantra, "We start them early," encapsulates their approach to youth development.
At BP, scouting begins at just eight years old, with 91 teams competing in each age group, training four times a week. David Eklund, head of scouting for boys aged 13-17, credits this extensive network and the club's reputation as key factors in attracting top young players. "We start them really early," Eklund explains, pointing out that other Swedish clubs begin their youth programs at 11 or 12 years old.
The results speak for themselves: 19 of the 33 players who made a league appearance last season were under 23, including seven teenagers. The likes of Viktor Gyökeres, Lucas Bergvall, and Dejan Kulusevski have all come through BP's academy system, with many more in the pipeline.
Baran Coskun, head coach of the under-19s, praises the coaching staff for creating an environment where young players feel motivated to work harder. "They try to motivate us to work harder," he says, referencing the high expectations placed on his team by fans and coaches alike.
Nabil Bahoui, 34, is a prime example of BP's ability to attract experienced players who can share their expertise with younger teammates. The veteran midfielder has won eight Sweden caps and has experience playing in top leagues like the Bundesliga, Swiss Super League, and Eredivisie.
As BP continues to thrive on the pitch, they're also reaping rewards off it. Nine graduates are currently part of the first-team training squad, including four goalkeepers who all began their careers at the club. The likes of Hjalmar Ekdal and Jonah Kusi-Asare have followed in their footsteps from the academy system to the top tier.
BP's approach is one that prioritizes early identification and nurturing of talent. By starting scouting at such a young age, they're able to cultivate a pool of gifted players who can be developed and deployed across various teams and levels within the club's structure. It's this focus on youth development that has helped BP become one of Europe's most exciting young clubs.
While other Swedish clubs may boast more glamorous facilities or higher budgets, it's BP's commitment to their academy system that sets them apart. By identifying and developing talent early, they're able to attract top players who are eager to learn from experienced coaches like Coskun. As the club continues to produce world-class footballers, one thing is clear: Brommapojkarna FC is the future of Swedish football.
At BP, scouting begins at just eight years old, with 91 teams competing in each age group, training four times a week. David Eklund, head of scouting for boys aged 13-17, credits this extensive network and the club's reputation as key factors in attracting top young players. "We start them really early," Eklund explains, pointing out that other Swedish clubs begin their youth programs at 11 or 12 years old.
The results speak for themselves: 19 of the 33 players who made a league appearance last season were under 23, including seven teenagers. The likes of Viktor Gyökeres, Lucas Bergvall, and Dejan Kulusevski have all come through BP's academy system, with many more in the pipeline.
Baran Coskun, head coach of the under-19s, praises the coaching staff for creating an environment where young players feel motivated to work harder. "They try to motivate us to work harder," he says, referencing the high expectations placed on his team by fans and coaches alike.
Nabil Bahoui, 34, is a prime example of BP's ability to attract experienced players who can share their expertise with younger teammates. The veteran midfielder has won eight Sweden caps and has experience playing in top leagues like the Bundesliga, Swiss Super League, and Eredivisie.
As BP continues to thrive on the pitch, they're also reaping rewards off it. Nine graduates are currently part of the first-team training squad, including four goalkeepers who all began their careers at the club. The likes of Hjalmar Ekdal and Jonah Kusi-Asare have followed in their footsteps from the academy system to the top tier.
BP's approach is one that prioritizes early identification and nurturing of talent. By starting scouting at such a young age, they're able to cultivate a pool of gifted players who can be developed and deployed across various teams and levels within the club's structure. It's this focus on youth development that has helped BP become one of Europe's most exciting young clubs.
While other Swedish clubs may boast more glamorous facilities or higher budgets, it's BP's commitment to their academy system that sets them apart. By identifying and developing talent early, they're able to attract top players who are eager to learn from experienced coaches like Coskun. As the club continues to produce world-class footballers, one thing is clear: Brommapojkarna FC is the future of Swedish football.