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BVBIA Washington

Boys High School Tryouts 2026

a pathway to excellence

BVB International Academy Washington is an official United States Partner of Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Borussia Dortmund is recognized as one of the best professional player development systems in the world. We fully embrace holistic player development, incorporating Borussia Dortmund's training methodology and philosophy into our programs.

Register for Tryouts Here

Age Group Change Information


Beginning with the 2026–2027 season, BVB International Academy Washington will evaluate players using a seasonal year model. Tryouts are open to players based on the grade they will be entering in Fall 2026, rather than birth year.


This change is in alignment with recent announcements from regional and national youth soccer governing bodies, which has age groups returning to an August–July birth-year cycle, reflecting the structure previously used in U.S. youth soccer a decade ago. This change is designed to better align players with their school grade and support a more consistent developmental pathway.. 


Players that started school later may be in a lower grade than their peers, but their birth year will still fall in the age group above their grade. 


BVB IA Washington will be holding tryouts for the following age groups


U19 - August 1st 2007 - July 31st 2009

U17 - August 1st 2009 - July 31st 2010

U16 - August 1st 2010 - July 31st 2011

U15 - August 1st 2011 - July 31st 2012

Thursday

​​2/19/26

Tillicum Middle School

U17 & U19 - 6-7:30pm

U15 & U16 - 7-8:30pm

sunday
​
​​2/22/26

Lower Woodland#7

U17 & U19 - 3:30pm-5pm
U15 & U16 - 5:00-6:30pm

Monday

​​2/23/26

Tillicum Middle School

U17 & U19 - 6-7:30pm

U15 & U16 - 7-8:30pm

Wednesday
​
​​2/25/26

Ingraham HS North

All Age Groups - 

5:15pm - 6:45pm

Register for Tryouts Here
WHY BVB IA Washington?


BVB International Academy Washington offers a structured, high-standard environment for players committed to long-term development.


As part of BVB International Academy North America, our program follows the same training philosophy and methodology used within the Borussia Dortmund Academy in Germany. Sessions are designed to challenge players technically, tactically, and mentally, with an emphasis on intensity, intelligence, and responsibility.


BVB Washington provides access to this development model while offering consistent training, experienced coaching, and clear expectations for players and families seeking a serious development.


WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Direct Partnership with Borussia Dortmund: Access to training methodology directly from BVB IA & Borussia Dortmund in Germany.


Player Development Focus: Individual growth always comes before results. We coach for the long term, not the scoreline every weekend.


Professional Coaching Standards: Licensed & certified coaches trained in BVB’s methodology.


Player Pathway: Opportunities to attend BVB camps, regional & national events, and even train at the BVB Academy in Dortmund, Germany

BVB IA SOE

The BVBIA School of Excellence is a 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.

Why EA?

The Elite Academy League represents one of the top tiers of competitive youth soccer in the United States, bringing together elite clubs that have demonstrated high club standards, quality of play,  and development required to compete at the high levels. 


The league’s standards-based model creates a true developmental pathway, combining high-level competition, professional expectations, and meaningful exposure. Players benefit from consistent, demanding matchups against top clubs in our region and beyond.


The league’s national footprint, competitive consistency, and professional organization support players as they prepare for recruitment and the next stage of their soccer journey whether it be college, semi pro, or pro.

WHY NPL/WPL?


The National Premier League (NPL) is a highly competitive, regionally and nationally recognized platform designed for players who want strong competition, meaningful travel, and consistent exposure to top opponents. The league was launched in 2004 by US Club Soccer with the goal of creating a national, merit-based competition platform for top youth clubs across the United States. From the beginning, NPL was designed to reward on-field performance, provide high-level competition, and connect strong regional leagues into a broader national structure.


The NPL provides a clear development pathway for ambitious players who are ready to test themselves against strong opponents while maintaining balance with school, family life, and other commitments.


The Washington Premier League (WPL) is the top state-based league in Washington and a critical step in the competitive development pathway for many players. The WPL is ideal for players who want high-level competition within Washington State, reduced travel demands, and a strong balance between development, school, and family life. Many players use the WPL as a stepping stone before moving into leagues like the  NPL or the EA. It supports long-term development and ensures players are placed in an environment where they can succeed and continue progressing.


Season Outline

Elite Academy


Season Start - June 1st 2026


Training - 3 days per week


Summer Tournaments - TBD


Elite Academy League - August through February  


EA Event - Winter Showcase


Registration Fee - $3200


Team Fee - TBD

NPL/WPL


Season Start - June 1st 2026


Training - 3 days per week


Tournaments

Spring Classic - 6/14-6/16 - Starfire Sports

Snohomish Bigfoot - 7/17 - 7/20 - Stocker Fields

Washington Cup - November TBD 


NPL/WPL - August through February  (Fall & Winter League)


Registration Fee - $2800


Team and Admin Fee - $500

Coaching Assignments


​Elite Academy
​​U18 - Sheriff Grey
​U17 - Sheldon Daniel
​U16 - Sheriff Grey
​U15 - Keegan Chapman

*subject to change


​SEATtle NPL/WPL
​​​U18 - COMING SOON
​U17 - COMING SOON
​U16 - COMING SOON
​U15 - COMING SOON


​Eastside NPL/WPL
​​​U18 - Sheldon Daniel
​U17 - Sheldon Daniel
​U16 - Keegan Chapman
​U15 - Keegan Chapman

FAQ

How does the training schedule work for Elite Academy teams (EA)? 
​There will be one training session in Seattle (north) and one training session in Bellevue. The 3rd training session will be decided based on the make up of the team. WPL/NPL teams will train only in their location.
​
​What should players wear to tryouts?
​Players must wear soccer cleats, shin guards and be dressed appropriately for training and weather conditions. A water bottle is required. Soccer balls will be provided.
​
What happens if I do not receive an EA team offer?
If a player is not selected for an EA team they may receive an offer for a NPL or WPL team.
​
What is the difference between EA, NPL and WPL?
The Elite Academy (EA) represents a high-performance pathway with increased training demands, higher weekly expectations, and a more intensive competitive environment. The EA teams typically face regional and national opponents, which involves increased travel and exposure to a wider range of playing styles. This pathway is designed for players who are ready for a higher level of commitment and competition and provides a route for those aiming to play in college programs or pursue higher-level opportunities.
​
​The National Premier League (NPL) expands competition beyond western Washington, offering regional and multi-state matchups. The NPL is suited for players who are ready for a higher level of challenge, faster game speed, and increased travel against top teams from outside western Washington.
​
​​The Washington Premier League (WPL) is the top in-state competitive league in Washington and focuses on high-level competition with mostly local travel. It is ideal for players who want strong competition while balancing school, family life, and development. 
​
How long will I have to accept or decline my offer?
Players will have 48 hours to accept their offer upon receipt. If the offer is not accepted within this time frame, the spot may be offered to another player. Once the roster is filled, the offer will be closed.
​
​​How many players are picked per team?
Rosters will typically consist of 15–18 players. Coaches may choose to add additional players, and the terms of these roster spots will be discussed directly with the coach.
​
​Do returning players need to tryout?
​Yes, this is the start of a new soccer year, so all players are required to attend tryouts. 
​
​What do coaches look for?
​Tryout evaluators are looking for players who compete, work hard on and off the ball, and show strong game awareness. Effort, coachability, and decision-making are valued as much as technical skill.
​
​Do you offer scholarships?
​Yes you will be able to submit a financial aid application after you receive your offer.
​
​How many tryouts must I attend?
​To be considered for a roster spot, players must attend at least one tryout session. Coaches use each session to evaluate players in training and game-like environments. Attending multiple sessions allows for a more complete and accurate evaluation.
​
​How and when will I receive an offer? 
​Players will receive an offer through email. It is crucial to check junk mail during this time period. 
​
​Will there be a U15 tryout in the Spring?
Yes, an additional tryout opportunity will be offered in the spring. 
​
​​What tournaments will teams participate in?
​This will be decided by each coach and the club after tryouts. The stronger the team, the more competitive the tournaments we will enter.
​
​What is an EA Event?​
​An EA Event refers to a showcase or competition hosted by the Elite Academy League (EA).These events bring EA clubs together for showcases, providing players with a higher level of competition and increased exposure. 
​
​What else can I do to help my player prepare for tryouts?
​Players should arrive early, properly equipped with soccer cleats, shin guards, weather-appropriate athletic clothing, and a water bottle. We ask that parents refrain from coaching from the sidelines, as tryouts can be nerve-wracking and coaches want to evaluate players independently. Attending multiple tryout sessions is encouraged, as it allows for a more complete evaluation, and players are advised to arrive well-rested, hydrated, and fueled to perform at their best.