Recently the School of Excellence National Player ID Event brought together more than 200 of BVB International Academy’s top players from across North America. It was more than a showcase, it was a defining moment in the BVBIA journey, where ambition met opportunity and the global pathway became real. 

Players were evaluated by BVBIA coaching staff working side-by-side with coaches from Borussia Dortmund, creating a unified environment rooted in the same standards, principles, and expectations that define one of the world’s most respected youth development systems.

Over several intense days, players were challenged technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. Every session was designed to reflect the BVB Way, high tempo, decision-making under pressure, courage on the ball, and relentless work rate. 

The School of Excellence Program sits at the heart of what makes BVBIA different. It is not symbolic. It is not theoretical. It is a living, working extension of our relationship with Borussia Dortmund.

Selections will be announced at the beginning of February, and while only a small group will make the trip to Germany, every player who stepped onto the field this week took part in something bigger: a clear, authentic pathway connected directly to one of the world’s elite youth academies.

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.

Players and coaches traveled from as far as Hawaii, Washington, Idaho, Las Vegas, Arizona, El Paso, Dallas, and Colorado, along with international guests from Hermosillo and Ensenada, Mexico. It was an inspiring sight — young athletes united by their love for the game and their dream of representing BVBIA on the national and global stage.

At the end of the weekend, each player received an evaluation based on their testing results, training performance, and gameplay impact. From this group, top players will be invited to the BVBIA National ID Event in Orlando, Florida (December 12–14, 2025). There, the best of the best will compete for selection to the BVBIA National Team — with 18 boys and 18 girls ultimately earning the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Dortmund, Germany, for the School of Excellence Trip in March 2026.

The Tucson event captured everything that makes BVBIA special — a commitment to development, community, and opportunity through the beautiful game.

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.

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.