The Ultimate Player Development Pathway with BVB International Academy
Train. Compete. Represent. Travel. The School of Excellence (SOE) is the elite identification and development program within BVB International Academy North America — designed for the top-performing youth players who are ready to take the next step in their football journey. This is where the best rise to represent the badge on a global stage.
What is the School of Excellence?
The BVBIA School of Excellence is a year-long player pathway that identifies and develops top talent across North America through advanced training, mentorship, and international exposure.
Every season, BVBIA technical staff evaluate players across our network of academies and invite the best to regional SOE Player ID Events. These events serve as a gateway to national selection, offering players an opportunity to compete among the top athletes in their age group and train under the guidance of our elite coaching staff — including direct involvement from Borussia Dortmund's world-renowned development team.
The Process
The School of Excellence experience is built on three key stages:
1. Regional Player ID Events
Hosted in major cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, these events bring together the top players from each region. Overseen by BVBIA’s national staff and Dortmund’s official coaches, these events are the first step in identifying standout talent ready for more.
2. National Player ID EventSelected players from the regional events are invited to National School of Excellence ID Event, designed to identify the top players around the BVBIA North America network
3. The SOE Trip to GermanyThe pinnacle of the School of Excellence is the ultimate reward: an invitation to train and compete in Dortmund, Germany, the home of Borussia Dortmund. Players experience a once-in-a-lifetime immersion, including:
- Training sessions at the official BVB Training Ground
- Friendly matches vs. BVB Academy team
- A matchday experience at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK
- Cultural excursions across Dortmund and North Rhine-Westphalia
This isn’t just a trip — it’s a transformative experience that connects our players to the global BVB family.
Who Is It For?
Ambitious players aged 11–17
Currently registered BVB International Academy players across North America
Athletes with a strong work ethic, technical ability, and desire to grow through competition
Why It Matters
The School of Excellence is more than a program, it’s a launchpad. Whether your goal is college soccer, the professional game, or simply becoming the best version of yourself, SOE provides a platform that reflects the highest standards of global player development.
Are You Ready to Represent?
The badge on your chest means something. It means you belong to a club that believes in developing people, not just players. It means you are part of the global BVB family. And it means you have the chance to go from your home field to the heart of Germany — if you're ready.
MORE INFO
+ PLAYER PATHWAY
+ COLLEGE ATHLETE PLACEMENT PROGRAM
+ PLAY FOR BVBIA
