During the month of October, we were thrilled to participate in the Western Region School of Excellence (SOE) Player ID Event in Tucson, Arizona! It was an incredible experience for over 120 players, ages 10-16, from across the western region, including talented players from El Paso, Tucson, Las Vegas, Colorado, Washington State, Hawaii, Idaho, and Mexico. Here’s a recap of what turned out to be a beneficial weekend for our academy and the broader BVBIA community.
What is the School of Excellence (SOE)?
The School of Excellence (SOE) is an elite player development platform developed by BVB International Academy. It aims to identify top youth soccer talent across the continent while exposing them to advanced training techniques, and holistic player development practices. SOE events provide a unique opportunity for players to showcase their abilities and be scouted for potential higher-level pathways, including collegiate programs, scholarships, or even professional opportunities.
Our mission is clear: To develop youth players by exposing them to Borussia Dortmund’s coaching methods, advanced player diagnostics, and holistic development practices by offering a professional environment for growth, development, and the pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.
SOE Weekend Highlights
The SOE event was packed with activities designed to challenge and elevate each player’s skills. Here's a closer look at the weekend’s action-packed agenda:
Friday: Player Diagnostics
The weekend kicked off with player diagnostics led by Borussia Dortmund’s very own Vincent Sanders and Dru Wright, Executive Technical Director for BVBIA North America. The focus was on testing players’ technical, physical, and tactical abilities through a series of drills and exercises. This data provided valuable insights into each player’s strengths and areas for improvement, setting the foundation for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday: Dual Training Sessions & University of Arizona College Tour
Morning Training Session: Saturday began with an intense morning training session where players worked on their technical and tactical development. Under the guidance of BVBIA and Borussia Dortmund coaches, our players honed essential skills, including ball control, positioning, and decision-making. It was a high-energy session that challenged everyone to take their game to the next level.
University of Arizona College Tour: In the afternoon, the 52 oldest players (ages 14-16) were treated to a special tour of the University of Arizona campus. This tour wasn’t just about soccer—it provided invaluable insight into the balance of academics and athletics at the collegiate level. Players learned what it takes to compete at the university level and how to manage their time as student-athletes. This was a highlight for many, as it helped them envision the possibilities for their future, both academically and athletically.
Evening Training Session: The day wrapped up with another intense evening training session, where players continued to apply the lessons learned from the morning session. The guidance from top-level coaches ensured that each player left the field with a greater understanding of their potential.
Sunday: Scrimmages and Competitive Matches
Sunday was all about putting the skills developed over the weekend into action with a series of competitive scrimmages. Players competed in matches against local teams from Mexico, providing a real-game scenario to showcase their tactical awareness, decision-making, and teamwork. It was thrilling to watch the players adapt to the fast-paced environment and apply what they had learned from the weekend’s training. These scrimmages not only tested their physical capabilities but also their mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure.
A Weekend to Remember
Overall, the Western Region SOE Player ID Event was a tremendous success, offering players a glimpse into the world of high-level soccer development. For many, this weekend was a key steppingstone in their soccer journey—whether they aim to play at the collegiate level, pursue scholarships, or even go professional
Thank You to Our Supporters!
A special thank you goes out to the families, coaches, and staff who made this weekend possible. Your support continues to drive our mission of developing youth soccer players who embody the spirit of excellence, resilience, and passion that Borussia Dortmund is known for.
Benjamin Grajeda
Communications Specialist
BVBIA - El Paso