BVB International Academy America (BVBIA) has just announced the final selection for the 2023 School of Excellence National Pools and National Team Trip, and we are proud to share that four local players have made the BVBIA National Team Player Pool!
Sami Safa (2012), Raad Safa (2012), Santiago Rodriguez (2012), and Leo Cook (2011) are among the talented players who will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
The School of Excellence is a program dedicated to identifying and developing the highest level of talent within the BVB International Academy across the country and Canada. The selection process began in the fall of 2022, and culminated in the National ID event in Dallas, Texas in December. The program is designed to give players the opportunity to compete within their age group, and those who are selected will have the chance to travel and compete for a spot on the National Pool rosters.
The 36 players selected for the School of Excellence trip will have the unique opportunity to experience the highest levels of competition and training during their 7-day trip to Dortmund, Germany. They will train at the Youth Academy, compete against academy and professional teams, and have the opportunity to be a part of the professional European experience that very few players ever get to see. They will also have the chance to experience the culture, heritage, and traditions of Borussia Dortmund, and attend a BVB game at SIGNAL IDUNA, the club's home field.
At the BVB International Academy, we offer a full range of opportunities for players of all ages, from the Mini Bees program for 4-year-olds, to the College Athlete Placement (CAP) program and School of Excellence for high school players. Together, these programs provide a real and authentic professional player pathway, giving our players the chance to attend college as student-athletes, and even the opportunity to play professionally.
We would like to extend our congratulations to all the players who were selected for the National Pools and the 2023 School of Excellence Trip Team, including the four local players who made the Player Pool. We are proud of all our players, and we know that they will represent BVB International Academy with character and intensity throughout the trip. Join us on social media from March 12th through March 20th to follow along as we watch these talented players compete on the international stage.
Jason Brewer
Executive Director
BVBIA - El Paso Borderland