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BVBIA Washington

SOE

What is the School of Excellence?

The School of Excellence, established in 2019, represents the pinnacle of the BVB International Academy’s professional player development pathway. It is a unique program built to identify, challenge, and elevate the very best players from across all BVB International Academy North America's locations


The journey to the School of Excellence is highly selective. It begins at the club level, where coaches closely monitor performance, attitude, and potential throughout the year. Players demonstrating exceptional ability and commitment are invited to participate in regional events. From there, the top performers advance to the national pool, where approximately 300 players from across the continent compete for a place among the final group.


Only 36 players—18 boys and 18 girls—earn the ultimate honor of being selected for the School of Excellence roster. This achievement is the result of months, and in many cases years, of hard work, dedication, and consistent excellence on and off the field. Player pool teams are also made at each age group to compete in elite competitions. 


The Dortmund Experience

The highlight of the program is an exclusive 7-day immersion trip to Dortmund, Germany, home of Borussia Dortmund. Selected players:

  • Train at the world-class BVB Youth Academy, where professional standards are the norm

  • Compete against the Dortmund academy teams, gaining invaluable experience against top-level competition

  • Work directly with BVB’s coaching staff, learning the same tactics, principles, and philosophies taught to Borussia Dortmund’s academy players

  • Immerse themselves in the club’s rich history and culture, visiting iconic facilities, landmarks, and the city that lives and breathes football

  • Experience the unforgettable atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park, home to over 80,000 passionate fans, during a live Bundesliga match

This trip is more than just training—it’s a total cultural and developmental experience designed to inspire players, broaden their perspective, and help them understand what it takes to compete at the highest levels.

A Real and Proven Pathway

The School of Excellence is not an isolated opportunity—it is the culmination of the BVBIA player pathway. From the earliest stages in programs like Mini Bees, to competitive youth teams, and into the advanced development stage, players are guided along a clear, structured route designed for maximum growth. For those with the talent, dedication, and mindset to go further, the School of Excellence and programs like the College Athlete Placement (CAP) offer genuine opportunities to move toward collegiate soccer, professional trials, and even international competition.


More Than Just Soccer

While the School of Excellence is focused on elite football development, it also builds life skills. Players learn independence, responsibility, and resilience while traveling abroad. They gain exposure to different cultures, adapt to new styles of play, and experience the discipline and professionalism required at the top levels. Many return from Dortmund with a renewed passion for the game, a deeper appreciation for teamwork, and a clearer understanding of their own potential.

For the players selected, the School of Excellence is not the end of the journey—it is a milestone. It represents recognition of their hard work so far, while also opening doors to even greater challenges and opportunities in the future.