Bayern Munich’s first clash of the season against Borussia Dortmund in “Der Klassiker” will have a truly unique broadcast experience for young fans.
Sky Sports Germany recently announced their new initiative to get kids interested in watching football. Alongside their typical coverage, Sky Deutschland will show a live stream that is directed specifically at children.
Firstly, this will involve some different presenters on the children’s coverage. Football freestyler Marcel Gurk will report alongside Imke Salander to offer unique insight ahead of and during the match.
Additionally, Sky have said that two child reporters will interview players and coaching staff of both Dortmund and Bayern.
Other features include some child-oriented build-up to Der Klassiker and unique game graphics.
As they detailed their plans, the broadcasters expressed their excitement at this innovative new service.
Sky discuss their junior broadcasting plan
Sky’s Executive Sports Vice-President, Charly Classen, is optimistic that the broadcast aimed at children will be a hit.
“Week after week, the Bundesliga offers great entertainment for young and old,” said Classen, via Kress News. “And we want to address the young viewers in a special way with our broadcast. Thus, Der Klassiker is a unique experience for the whole family. I’m looking forward to it and thank the DFL for the close co-operation.”
Similarly, German football league board member Steffen Merkel shared his admiration of the idea.
“With this initiative, Sky is once again breaking new ground in order to inspire as many people as possible, of all ages, with suitable offers for the Bundesliga. We very much welcome this idea and are delighted to accompany the additional showing as a partner.”
Although the first of its kind in German football, other sports around the globe have tried a similar style. For example, the NFL teamed up with kids’ channel Nickelodeon for past broadcasts of games.
Their first tie-in with the kids broadcaster was a live showing of the 2021 Wild card game between the New Orleans Saints and the Chicago Bears. During the game, several cartoon characters made appearances. “Slime cannons” also virtually covered the endzones in slime when a team scored a touchdown.
It was so successful that the NFL did similar coverage for a wild card playoff game in 2022. In addition, “NFL Slimetime”, a highlights show on Nickelodeon, began airing weekly during the season in September 2021.
Now, Sky and the Bundesliga are trying out a kid-friendly stream for themselves. But when is Bayern vs Dortmund on TV?
Dortmund vs Bayern in crucial “Der Klassiker”
The two giants of German football will lock horns on October 8 at Signal Iduna Park. For UK viewers, this will be a 5.30pm kick-off, likely shown on Sky Sports. However, Sky customers in Britain are unlikely to have access to the junior stream.
The game is of particular importance to both sides, following mixed starts to 2022/23. Bayern are on a four-match winless streak domestically, forcing them to play catch-up to the top spot.
They currently sit fifth, five points adrift of first-place Union Berlin. Contrastingly, Dortmund are closer to the top, two points behind Berlin and in second.
However, they are on an eight-game losing streak against their bitter rivals. Dortmund’s last win over Bayern came in the 2019/20 Super Cup, where they won 2-0. No matter what form either team carries into the game, fans can expect an exciting match.
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