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BVBIA Washington

a pathway to excellence

a pathway to excellence

BVB International Academy Washington is an official United States Partner of Borussia Dortmund (BVB) in Germany. BVB 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.

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. 

Find Your Age Group

Enter your player's birthdate to see their age group and game format.

Team Formation

Top-performing players in each age group will be selected for the BVB International Academy Washington Elite Academy (EA) teams, representing the highest level of competition within the club. 


In addition, BVB IA Eastside and Seattle will form 2nd and 3rd teams in each age group from the tryout pool. These teams will compete in the National Premier League (NPL) and Washington Premier League (WPL), providing a strong, competitive environment with a clear pathway for player progression within the club. NPL/WPL team training will take place exclusively at their respective locations.


All roster decisions and team invitations will be communicated between after the first tryout and within 48 hours following the conclusion of the final tryouts.


Families can choose to tryout for Washington (EA), Eastside (NPL/WPL), or Seattle (NPL/WPL). Select the corresponding tab below based on your preferred location and level of play.

TRYOUTS 2026

Washington U11-U15 Elite Academy (EA)
Eastside/Bellevue U8-U16 (NPL/WPL)
Seattle U9-U15 (NPL/WPL)
Boys HS
Washington U11-U15 Elite Academy (EA)

BVB International Academy Washington is the official youth soccer affiliate of Borussia Dortmund serving Western Washington. Teams compete in the Elite Academy League (EA), offering players a challenging and professionally structured environment designed to support long-term player development.


As part of the global BVB International Academy network, BVB Washington delivers training based on Borussia Dortmund’s academy methodology and development standards, connecting players to the culture, philosophy, and opportunities of one of Europe’s leading professional clubs.

 Boys U11Tuesday April 28th 6:00-7:30pm  Tillicum MS
 Friday May 1st7:00-8:30pmTwin Ponds Park
 Boys U12Tuesday April 28th6:00-7:30pmTillicum MS
   Friday May 1st   7:00-8:30pmTwin Ponds Park
Boys U13Thursday April 30th 7:15-8:45pmTillicum MS
 Saturday May 2nd5:00-6:30pmIngraham HS Stadium
 Boys U14 Thursday April 30th 7:15-8:45pmTillicum MS
   Saturday May 2nd 5:00-6:30pmIngraham HS Stadium
Boys U15  Thursday April 30th  7:15-8:45pm  Tillicum MS 
 Saturday May 2nd 5:00-6:30pm Ingraham HS Stadium

*If you are trying out for an EA team, you do not need to register separately for the Eastside or Seattle location tryouts. The EA registrations covers both EA tryouts and location tryouts.

 Age Group Coach
U15 - 11v11 Keegan Chapman
 U14 - 11v11 Sheldon Daniel
 U13 - 11v11 Brian Wardlaw
 U12 - 11v11Halley Schroeder
 U11 - 11v11Garfield "Bigga" Johnson
Sign up for Washington EA tryouts here
Eastside/Bellevue U8-U16 (NPL/WPL)

BVB IA Washington - Eastside  provides a complete player pathway from early development programs through competitive youth teams. Eastside teams compete in top regional leagues including the Washington Premier League (WPL) and National Premier Leagues (NPL), offering players a challenging and structured competitive environment.


Located in the Bellevue area and serving neighborhoods such as Newcastle, Somerset, Woodridge, and Lake Hills, BVB IA Washington Eastside provides access to high-level coaching while connecting them to the global BVB IA network and its player development standards.

U8 - Boys & Girls  Friday April 17th 6:00-7:30pmTillicum MS

Sunday April 19th 2:30 - 4:00pmNewport Heights Elem.
U9 - Boys & Girls  Friday April 17th 6:00-7:30pm Tillicum MS

 Sunday April 19th 2:30 - 4:00pm Newport Heights Elem.
U10 - Boys & Girls  Sunday April 26th 5:30-7:00pm Tillicum MS

 Tuesday April 28th 6:00-7:30pm Tillicum MS
U11 -  Boys & Girls Sunday April 26th5:30-7:00pmTillicum MS
 Tuesday April 28th6:00-7:30pmTillicum MS
     U12 - Boys & Girls & U13 GirlsSunday April 26th5:30-7:00pmTillicum MS
 Tuesday April 28th6:00-7:30pmTillicum MS
U13 - BoysThursday April 30th 6:00-7:30pmTillicum MS 
 Sunday May 3rd
5:30-7:00pm
Tillicum MS
     U14 - Boys  Thursday April 30th 7:15-8:45pm Tillicum MS
 Sunday May 3rd
5:30-7:00pm
Tillicum MS
U15 - Boys   Thursday April 30th7:15-8:45pm
  Tillicum MS 
 Sunday May 3rd
5:30-7:00pm
Tillicum MS
 U16 Boys Thursday April 30th 7:15-8:45pm  Tillicum MS 
 Sunday May 3rd
5:30-7:00pmTillicum MS
 (U8-U12) Supplemental Monday May 4th5:30pm-7:00pmRobinswood Park 2 
(U13-U16) SupplementalTuesday May 5th5:30-7:00pmNewport Hills Park

** The supplemental session is available for players who cannot attend one of their scheduled tryout dates. 

Boys Coaching Assignments 

U8 - Keegan Chapman

U9 - Sheldon Daniel

U10 - TBD

U11 - Diego Acuña Muñoz

U12 - Halley Schroeder

U13 - Sheldon Daniel 

U14 - Sheldon Daniel

U15 - Keegan Chapman

U16 - Keegan Chapman

Girls Coaching Assignments 

U8 - TBD

U9 - Halley Schroeder 

U10 - Halley Schroeder

U11 - Megan Martinez

U12 - Megan Martinez

U13 - Peggy Ruhr

Sign up for EASTSIDE tryouts here
Seattle U9-U15 (NPL/WPL)

BVB IA Washington - Seattle provides a complete player pathway from early development programs through competitive youth teams. Seattle teams compete in top regional leagues including the Washington Premier League (WPL) and National Premier Leagues (NPL), offering players a challenging and structured competitive environment.


Located in the north Seattle area and serving neighborhoods such as Green Lake, Northgate, and Shoreline BVB IA Washington Seattle provides access to high-level coaching while connecting them to the global BVB IA network and its player development standards.

 Girls U9-U14 Friday May 1st 7:00-8:30pm Twin Ponds Park Soccer Field
  Saturday May 2nd 2:30 - 4:00pm Ingraham HS Soccer South
Boys U9 Saturday May 2nd 2:30pm - 4:00pm Ingraham HS Soccer North
  Monday May 4th  6:00pm - 7:00pm Einstein MS
 Boys U10 Saturday May 2nd2:30pm-4:00pm Ingraham HS Soccer North
  Monday May 4th   6:00pm - 7:00pm Einstein MS
 Boys U11 Friday May 1st  7:00-8:30pmTwin Ponds Park Soccer Field
   Saturday May 2nd2:30-4:00pm Ingraham HS Soccer North
 Boys U12 Friday May 1st 7:00-8:30pm Twin Ponds Park Soccer Field
   Saturday May 2nd 2:30-4:00pm Ingraham HS Soccer North
 Boys U13 Saturday May 2nd 5:00 - 6:30pm Ingraham HS Stadium
 Boys U14 Saturday May 2nd 5:00 - 6:30pmIngraham HSStadium
 Boys U15 Saturday May 2nd 5:00 - 6:30pm Ingraham HS Stadium
BVB IA Seattle WPL/NPL Tryout Registration
Boys HS

Boys high school tryouts were held at the end of February 2026. If you missed tryouts and would still like to be considered for a team, please contact the coach for your respective age group. Our boys high school teams compete in the EA, NPL, and WPL.


U19 - Sheriff Grey - sheriff.grey@bvbia-seattle.com

U17 - Sheldon Daniel - sheldon.daniel@bvbia-washington.com

U16 - Sheriff Grey - sheriff.grey@bvbia-seattle.com

What is the difference between Eastside, Seattle, and Washington?

BVBIA Washington is the overall regional organization representing BVB International Academy in Washington State. Within this organization there are sub-clubs that serve different communities.


BVB IA WA - Seattle primarily serves players in the Seattle area, while BVB IA WA - Eastside serves players in Bellevue and surrounding Eastside communities. These teams compete in the Washington Premier League and the National Premier League.


All locations operate under the same BVB International Academy structure, follow Borussia Dortmund’s development methodology, and provide a pathway for players to progress within the club. As players get older, they have opportunities to compete together The Elite Academy League.

WHAT MAKES BVB IA 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


We are more than a youth soccer club, we are a community committed to excellence, character, and growth. Our players wear the Black and Yellow with pride, knowing they are part of something bigger than the game.

What is BVB IA SOE?

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.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOE HERE
What is the 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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EA HERE
What is the 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.


What is the cost?
 11v11 EA Team$3200
 9v9 EA Team$2600
 11v11 NPL/WPL Team$2800
 9v9 NPL/WPL Team$2500
 7v7 NPL/WPL Team$1950
  
 There is a $500 down payment for each team. There are payment plans and financial aid options.
There will be an associated team fee for each team These fees vary per each individual team's plans. 
How Long is the Soccer year?

U15-U19 - June 2026 to February 2027 - Players play for their high school teams starting in March.


U8-U14 - June 2026 to April 2027

Age Group Chart
 Age GroupBirth RangeGame Format
U16 August 1st 2010 - July 31st 201111v11
 U15 August 1st 2011 - July 31st 2012 11v11
 U14 August 1st 2012 - July 31st 2013 11v11
 U13 August 1st 2013 - July 31st 201411v11 
 U12 August 1st 2014 - July 31st 2015 9v9
 U11 August 1st 2015 - July 31st 2016 9v9
 U10 August 1st 2016 - July 31st 2017 7v7
 U9 August 1st 2017 - July 31st 2018 7v7
U8 August 1st 2018 - July 31st 2019 7v7
More 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.
​
​Do returning players need to tryout?
​Yes, this is the start of a new soccer year, so all players are required to attend tryouts. 
​
​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 both 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. 
​
​​What tournaments will teams participate in?
​This will be decided by each coach and the club after tryouts. 

U13-U19 EA teams will for sure play in one EA showcase tournament.


U15-U19 - December - Lakewood Ranch, Florida
U13 & U14 - September - Provo, Utah 
*Location subject to change 

​
​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.