BVB International Academy - North America - NEWS , Field Notes

Field Notes: A Week with Academia Borussia in Mexico

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:16:42 +0000

Academia Borussia Summer Camp | Mexico City, Mexico | 4-8 August, 2025

This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Academia Borussia’s Summer Camp in Mexico, spending a few unforgettable days coaching, connecting, and sharing the BVB way with players and staff across multiple cities.

Day 1 – The Journey Begins

It all started on Sunday, July 20th — walking across the border from El Paso into Ciudad Juárez, hopping a quick flight to Mexico City, and arriving late that evening. Even after a long day of travel, I was already feeling the excitement of what was to come.

Day 2 – Mérida, Yucatán

A 6:00 a.m. flight to Mérida kicked things off bright and early. The moment I arrived at the camp, I could feel the energy — players of all ages and skill levels were eager to learn, and the coaching staff made me feel right at home. The day was full of training sessions, smiles, and moments that reminded me why we do what we do. After a full day in the sun, it was back to Mexico City that evening.

Day 3 – Metepec

Next stop: Metepec. This group of players might not have had the same access to resources, but their passion and enthusiasm more than made up for it. The energy here was special — pure love for the game and a hunger to learn. It was inspiring to see how football brings people together, regardless of background.

Day 4 – Poniente (Santa Fe)

The final stop was Poniente in Santa Fe, where a huge crowd of players — including some of the top local talent — turned out for the camp. The level of play was impressive, and the excitement was contagious.

Across every city, one thing was consistent: the warmth of the people and their dedication to learning the Borussia Dortmund way. I loved working with all the staff and players, from the youngest beginners to the most advanced teams. It felt great to give back and provide real value, not only through training but also by sharing ideas and inspiration with coaches who are shaping the next generation.

This was my first experience working with Academia Borussia, and I’m already looking forward to the next opportunity to return — more stories, more learning, and more football that connects us all.

Field Notes: Back to Dortmund & the Heart of It All

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 19:35:30 +0000

BVB International Partner Workshop | Dortmund, Germany | March 2025

After powerful stops in Poland, first at the Piszczek Academy and then in Kraków, the final destination of our global journey brought us back to where it all began: Dortmund.

For those of us in the BVB International Academy network, Dortmund is more than just a city. It’s the beating heart of our identity. And during this year’s International Partner Workshop, that heartbeat was felt in every conversation, every session, and every shared moment with our global peers.

A Global Gathering with Local Meaning

Partners from 13 different countries joined together for three immersive days of learning, networking, and celebration. There’s something remarkable about being in a room where everyone speaks a different native language — but we’re all fluent in Black and Yellow.

Over meals, workshops, and even impromptu table tennis showdowns, we deepened relationships with partners from Japan, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and beyond. The shared commitment to youth development, club values, and global collaboration created an energy that was both humbling and inspiring.

Learning, Leading & Growing Together

Our time in Dortmund wasn’t just about bonding, it was about building. The workshop featured important updates from BVB leadership, sessions on international strategy, and open discussions on how each region is growing in its own context.

As BVB International Academy North America, this was a key moment for us. We’ve been working tirelessly to reimagine and rebuild our structure — not as a standalone network, but as a true global partner to Borussia Dortmund. That means aligning our methodology, sharing best practices, and staying connected to what’s happening at the source.

Being in Dortmund affirmed that we’re on the right track, and that we’re not doing this alone.

Matchday Magic

To top it all off, we were treated to a thrilling match at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, where BVB claimed three points against Mainz. Surrounded by 80,000 passionate supporters, it wasn’t just about the result — it was a reminder of the emotional power behind this club, and the responsibility we carry as representatives of the BVB family around the world.

As we continue building the next chapter of BVBIA North America, we do so with a deeper understanding of our role in a truly international movement. This isn’t just about soccer. It’s about shared values, long-term impact, and being part of something bigger than any one academy.

Heja BVB, from Dortmund to the world.

Field Notes: Leadership, Legacy & Learning in Kraków

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 15:44:35 +0000

BVB International Partner Workshop | Kraków, Poland | March 2025

After our visit to the Piszczek Academy, our journey through Poland continued with a few unforgettable days in the historic city of Kraków, a perfect backdrop for growth, exchange, and collaboration.

As part of the ongoing BVB International Partner Workshop, we were hosted by one of the most storied clubs in Polish football, Wisła Kraków. Their hospitality, their facilities, and their pride in both tradition and innovation created the ideal environment for learning and connection.

Training Ground for Ideas

Our sessions were held inside the Wisła Kraków stadium, where the club graciously opened up their spaces for a series of leadership workshops, presentations, and collaborative discussions.

One of the standout moments came during a presentation by Dru Wright, Chief Football Officer for BVBIA North America. Dru laid out a clear and compelling overview of the North American market, its scale, its challenges, and its immense potential for growth. His insights sparked meaningful dialogue among our global partners, many of whom are eager to collaborate more closely with the U.S. as we build a stronger worldwide network.

From leadership development to long-term vision planning, the sessions were informative and energizing. You could feel the momentum building in the room.

Football, Food & Culture

Of course, no international gathering would be complete without the chance to connect off the pitch. One of the highlights of our time in Kraków was a cultural dinner hosted by our Polish partners. We shared traditional Polish dishes, local stories, and more than a few laughs with our fellow BVB partners from around the world.

It’s in these in-between moments , around the dinner table, walking the cobblestone streets, exchanging academy stories over coffee that you really feel the heartbeat of what we’re building. A global movement, rooted in football, but growing far beyond it.

Field Notes: Roots & Vision - Visiting the Łukasz Piszczek Academy

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 13:43:06 +0000

BVB International Partner Workshop | Poland | March 2025

From the moment our delegation of global partners landed in Poland, there was a shared excitement: we were about to step into something truly special.

Besides the BVBIA North America leadership, other participants included leaders from International Academies and German Academies across Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Together, we traveled to Goczałkowice‑Zdrój to tour a facility that speaks directly to Borussia Dortmund’s global ambition and legacy.

Meeting Łukasz Piszczek in his hometown

At the academy’s entrance, Łukasz Piszczek welcomed us not with fanfare, but with grounded humility. He introduced himself as a local son first, and a player second.

He shared how he first conceived the idea in 2017, launched it with Dortmund’s backing in 2019, and poured passion into building a football home in his hometown, a place where kids from 4 to 19 could develop in sport and character. Hearing him speak of his roots, and seeing the community that shaped him, brought his story full circle.

Touring with Purpose

The academy isn’t just fields, jerseys, and drills, it’s an integrated development ecosystem. The facility offers technical coaching alongside educational workshops, language classes, and nutritional courses, all built to develop well‑rounded individuals.

What stood out was how every detail echoed BVB’s philosophy: growth rooted in local identity, excellence grounded in community, and a commitment to holistic development.

Global Partnership in Action

Standing there, watching young players in Black and Yellow kits train in this beautiful facility, I felt the power of our global network. Coaches and leaders from academies all over the world gathered beneath the same roof. We exchanged questions, coaching philosophies, and stories of local impact.

Together, we saw firsthand how the Piszczek Academy is more than a facility, it’s a symbol of how BVB’s global philosophy can manifest locally, sustainably, and authentically. It's a goal for us to strive for across our North American network.

Field Notes: Black and Yellow in the Big Apple

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:15:06 +0000

Club World Cup Kickoff | NYC | June 2025

There’s nothing quite like seeing the Black and Yellow take center stage on the global football calendar, and there’s no better city for a statement moment than New York.

As Borussia Dortmund prepared for their FIFA Club World Cup opener against Fluminense, members of the BVB International Academy leadership team made the trip to be part of the action, and to represent our expanding network on a world stage.

A Night to Remember

We had the honor of attending the Black & Yellow Night, hosted by Borussia Dortmund just blocks from Times Square. The energy in the room matched the ambition of the moment, a gathering of fans, partners, club leadership, and supporters from around the world united by one identity.

The event featured appearances from BVB board members, club legends, and live connections with staff and players.

Representing BVBIA

Our leadership team was proud to represent the BVBIA family:

Douglas Payne, CEO
Dru Wright, Chief Football Officer
Jason Brewer, Chief Communications Officer
Hector A. Beltran, Chief Counsel

More Than a Match
Of course, we were there to support the team , and while the match ended in a draw, the real victory was off the pitch. This was a powerful opportunity to deepen our connection with Borussia Dortmund and continue building momentum for the future of BVB International Academy.

From global leadership to local affiliates, this trip reminded us that we are part of something much bigger.

We are one club, one vision, and one united Black and Yellow family.

BVB International Academy - North America - NEWS , Field Notes

Field Notes: A Week with Academia Borussia in Mexico

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Field Notes: Back to Dortmund & the Heart of It All

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Field Notes: Leadership, Legacy & Learning in Kraków

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Field Notes: Roots & Vision - Visiting the Łukasz Piszczek Academy

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Field Notes: Black and Yellow in the Big Apple

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