GESS welcomes Head of Football and BVB Coordinator, Uwe Grauer, who has started training our budding footballers, including our athletes for the 16th Southeast Asian Games for German-speaking Schools which just ended in June. We caught him in action on the field and find out more about him.
Tell us about yourself, your academic and career background.
Football has always been my great passion, and I am fortunate enough to have had the great luck to turn my hobby into a profession. After graduating from high school in 1989, I signed my first contract as a football player with BVB. Simultaneously, I completed a two-year commercial apprenticeship at a car dealership.
Towards the end of my active time as a professional footballer, I completed a degree in Sports Management at a distance learning university to broaden my horizons for the future. After approximately 15 years as a professional football player, I decided to pursue a career path as a football coach when the opportunity arose. In this field, I have obtained all licences over the years, including the highest level possible – the UEFA Pro Licence. This allows me to coach all teams, including professional ones. Upholding my passion in coaching and development, I have dedicated myself to this area at various clubs over the past 20 years.
What made you take on this role at GESS, as we understand this came about from GESS’ partnership with BVB?
It sounded like an exciting task when I found out about it! As I have been playing in BVB’s traditional team for over 10 years, there have been ongoing discussions about developments of BVB Academy. When I heard about the opportunity in Singapore, I immediately took an interest in integrating more professional structures from club life into a school environment. Furthermore, I had not yet been abroad and had not worked in a school environment before. Since my own children are already grown up, this was an opportunity for me to experience something new myself.
It’s been only months since you joined us officially in April 2025. What do you feel about GESS and our students so far?
My first impression at GESS has been to feel very welcomed. So far, I have experienced a lot of helpfulness and friendliness. The school is huge compared to the schools I knew before.
My work style is very team-oriented, and I am looking forward to building and maintaining my community here. Teamwork is fundamental in sports and in school, both with my colleagues and with children and teenagers. The motivation level of our students is high, so improvements can be achieved most effectively. I believe it is important to foster motivation through varied, well-planned training that is enjoyable for everyone.
What is your vision for football at GESS? What do you hope to bring to GESS with your expertise?
My goal is to establish a holistic football concept at GESS that not only promotes athletic performance but also focuses on social skills and personal development of the students. Football provides an ideal platform to impart important values such as teamwork, fairness, discipline, and perseverance – skills that are also of great significance outside sports.
I also want to apply my many years of experience as a player and coach to structure training programmes in an age-appropriate and motivating way. It is important to me that both talented players and children who play football purely for the love of the game are individually supported. Everyone should have the opportunity to develop further – both athletically and personally.
Last but not least, what do you like to do in your leisure / personal time?
In my free time, a lot still naturally revolves around sports – somehow it just doesn’t work for me without a ball. When I’m not on the football field, you can often find me on the tennis court. And honestly, even though I turned my hobby into a profession, watching a good football game in a relaxed setting will always be a highlight for me.
Additionally, I love to travel. Discovering new places, experiencing foreign cultures, and simply getting away from everyday life – these inspire me and broaden my perspective. Singapore is obviously an ideal base for that, and I look forward to exploring many exciting corners in Asia.
