School of Excellence National 2026
Dublin, Georgia · Southern Pines Regional Park · December 9–13, 2026
BVB International Academy North America will host its School of Excellence National Player ID Event in Dublin, Georgia, this December. Players and coaches from affiliates across the United States, Mexico, and beyond will train, compete, and learn together, using Borussia Dortmund's football methodology, in a demanding week designed to develop the person as well as the player.
More than 400 youth players and 20+ coaches are expected. These are planned figures, not a final attendance count.
At a glance
What: School of Excellence National Player ID Event, including coach education, training, games, and Opening Ceremonies
Where: Southern Pines Regional Park, Dublin, Laurens County, Georgia
Player event: Wednesday, December 9 through Sunday afternoon, December 13, 2026
Opening Ceremonies: Thursday evening, December 10
Coach education: Tuesday, December 8 through Thursday, December 10 (coaches arrive Monday–Tuesday, December 7–8)
Who: Youth players and coaches from BVBIA affiliates across the network
National contact: Jason Brewer, Chief Communications Officer — jason.brewer@bvbia.com
This week's shape
Times below are the public, high-level plan. Session-by-session times will be shared with registered families and staff and may change.
- Monday–Tuesday, December 7–8 — Coaches arrive.
- Tuesday, December 8 – Thursday, December 10 — Coach education.
- Wednesday, December 9 — Players and families arrive. Training and event activities begin as communicated to registered families.
- Thursday evening, December 10 — Opening Ceremonies.
- Friday–Saturday, December 11–12 — Training and games continue.
- Sunday afternoon, December 13 — The event wraps.
The week is also about belonging: new teammates from other communities, different coaches, and learning to contribute in a new group.
Venue and getting here
Southern Pines Regional Park, Dublin, Georgia. The park is a short drive from downtown Dublin and is reached most practically by car or arranged team transportation, just off I-16 in central Georgia.
Approximate drives published by the City of Dublin (allow extra time for traffic and the airport; these are city estimates, not exact travel times): Atlanta 1 hour 55 minutes; Macon 55 minutes; Savannah 1 hour 45 minutes.
Weather note (not a forecast): December normals for Dublin are a high around 61°F and a low around 37°F, with the chance of rain and chilly evenings. Layers and rain protection are a good idea.
For players and families
This event brings together players who have been identified through local and regional School of Excellence activity in our network. Taking part does not promise a roster place, a later event, or travel. After the week, staff may consider players for later opportunities such as national player pools or guest playing — pool membership, when offered, is eligibility only, and each event roster is decided separately.
Questions about a player's registration, housing, or arrival window should go first to the email or packet you already received. General questions can be sent via our Contact page (bvbia-northamerica.com/contact) or to jason.brewer@bvbia.com.
Find your local affiliate: Locations (bvbia-northamerica.com/locations).
Coach education
Coaches from across the network arrive December 7–8 for education sessions December 8–10, then work the player event through Sunday. The sessions share Borussia Dortmund's methodology and give coaches tools to take home to their own affiliates.
Media
Members of the media are welcome to cover Opening Ceremonies on Thursday evening, December 10, and to arrange other access in advance.
- Media contact: Jason Brewer, Chief Communications Officer, BVB International Academy North America — jason.brewer@bvbia.com
- Approved photos and logos will be linked here when ready. Please credit BVB International Academy North America and do not reuse images without permission.
Partner with us
Dublin will host hundreds of visiting players, coaches, and families this week. Local businesses and organizations can help welcome them.
Ways to take part:
- Welcome-bag items or coupons for visiting player families
- Meals or snacks for coaches (December 7–13)
- Parent discounts at restaurants, shops, and attractions
- Cash or in-kind support
To talk about a partnership, contact Jason Brewer via the Contact page (bvbia-northamerica.com/contact) or at jason.brewer@bvbia.com.
After the event
This section will hold results, a short recap, and a photo gallery once the week is over.
About BVB International Academy North America
BVB International Academy North America is the North American affiliate network of Borussia Dortmund's international academy program. We bring BVB's training methodology to youth players and coaches through local affiliates. Find a location at Locations, or learn more about the School of Excellence.
