The delegation included Florian Ingwersen from Borussia Dortmund, along with Douglas Payne (CEO), Dru Wright (Chief Football Officer), Hector A. Beltrán (Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel), and Jason Brewer (Chief Communications Officer) from BVBIA North America. Florian Ingwersen from Borussia Dortmund, along with Douglas Payne (CEO), Dru Wright (Chief Football Officer), Héctor Beltrán (Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel), and Jason Brewer (Chief Communications Officer) from BVBIA North America.
This milestone event introduced Cooper’s Coaching Academy as the first BVBIA partner location in Trinidad, officially bringing the Borussia Dortmund philosophy and development model to the islands.
Cooper’s Coaching Academy as the first BVBIA partner location in Trinidad, officially bringing the Borussia Dortmund philosophy and development model to the islands.
A Weekend of Milestones
On Saturday, the group hosted a press conference with major local media outlets, formally unveiling BVBIA Caribbean and inviting local players to participate in the upcoming BVBIA Caribbean Player ID Event and tournament series.Saturday, the group hosted a press conference with major local media outlets, formally unveiling BVBIA Caribbean and inviting local players to participate in the upcoming BVBIA Caribbean Player ID Event and tournament series.
On Sunday, the team joined a local youth tournament, featuring talented players and clubs from across Trinidad and Tobago. The event doubled as a talent identification showcase, giving young players the opportunity to display their skills and embody the spirit of “Echte Liebe” — true love for the game.Sunday, the team joined a local youth tournament, featuring talented players and clubs from across Trinidad and Tobago. The event doubled as a talent identification showcase, giving young players the opportunity to display their skills and embody the spirit of “Echte Liebe” — true love for the game.
“This launch marks a major step forward for our global academy network,” said Dru Wright, Chief Football Officer for BVBIA North America. “The energy and passion we experienced here in Trinidad prove that the Caribbean is ready to embrace the BVB Way — developing players who are technically excellent, tactically intelligent, and driven by heart.”
Building a Football Culture for the Future
The new academy will operate in partnership with Athletes and Fans Sports Village, a key local organization that will serve as the foundation for BVBIA’s community programs, player development initiatives, and family engagement efforts across the Caribbean.Athletes and Fans Sports Village, a key local organization that will serve as the foundation for BVBIA’s community programs, player development initiatives, and family engagement efforts across the Caribbean.
“We are proud to partner with BVBIA to create something truly special for our youth,” said Andre Lawrence, Director of Athletes and Fans Sports Village. “This collaboration brings international expertise to local talent — and opens new doors for players across Trinidad and the wider region.”
The event was also supported by Acadeo Distribution, the official Gatorade partner, who provided hydration support throughout the weekend’s training and tournament sessions.Acadeo Distribution, the official Gatorade partner, who provided hydration support throughout the weekend’s training and tournament sessions.
The launch of BVBIA Caribbean represents more than an academy opening — it’s the beginning of a movement to inspire, develop, and connect players and families across the region through the shared passion of Borussia Dortmund football.BVBIA Caribbean represents more than an academy opening — it’s the beginning of a movement to inspire, develop, and connect players and families across the region through the shared passion of Borussia Dortmund football.
