Borussia Dortmund (BVB) to launch historic Caribbean Youth Football Academy across the region.
● Flagship academy to be based in Trinidad and Tobago.
● Media launch takes place Saturday July 26, 2025.
● Gatorade signs on as title sponsor for the youth invitational tournament to mark the occasion.
JUNE 26, 2025, PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO — Leading German football club Borussia Dortmund (BVB), globally recognized for its world-class youth development system, will officially launch the BVB International Academy – Caribbean (BVBIA – Caribbean) on Saturday July 26, 2025, via a media conference to be held same day at the Kapok Hotel, starting at 10am local time.
This pioneering initiative is being spearheaded by the sporting firm Athletes and Fans Sports Village (AFSV) and its founders Colin Rocke, Martin Lashley and Andre Lawrence (CEO), with Damon Leon as the Head of Marketing and Commercial.
Renowned for developing world-class talents such as Marco Reus, Jude Bellingham, Mario Götze, Jadon Sancho, Youssoufa Moukoko, and Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund’s Youth System is globally acclaimed for its focus on technical excellence, mental discipline, and tactical intelligence.
The BVB International Academy – Caribbean, represents a paradigm shift in how youth football development is nurtured , blending German methodology with Caribbean talent and potential. The establishment of this academy will provide young Caribbean footballers with direct access to elite-level coaching methodologies using the BVB model.
Representatives from Borussia Dortmund will arrive in Trinidad on Friday, July 25, 2025, for the launch. To mark this milestone, a one-day Under-17 Invitational Tournament will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at CIC Grounds, Port-of-Spain, and will feature six teams which have been invited to participate in the inaugural BVB/Gatorade Under 17 Challenger Cup.
BVB International Academy – Caribbean, CEO Andre Lawrence said: “Our region is blessed with natural athleticism, evident in the many sporting disciplines in which we excel on the global stage. The Caribbean is being presented with an opportunity where an internationally proven model that nurtures promising young footballers is now available. It will provide young student athletes with a comprehensive development programme that prepares them for a successful career in professional football.
The BVB International Academy – Caribbean, will serve as a platform for young Caribbean footballers to gain exposure, receive professional training, and potentially earn invitations to Borussia Dortmund training camps in Germany. It also opens up a pathway for standout talents to be scouted by major European clubs via BVB, or recruited by US colleges through our international network, providing them with the opportunity to pursue professional careers in football and/or to continue their academic journey.”
VEMCO CEO Dirk Marin said: “Gatorade is proud to partner with BVB and AFSV as the title sponsor of the Under 17 invitational tournament. As a brand committed to fuelling athletic
performance and supporting the next generation of talent, this partnership offers strategic alignment with BVBIA Caribbean’s mission. Borussia Dortmund’s legacy of nurturing world-class footballers mirrors Gatorade’s dedication to excellence in sport hydration, and we are thoroughly excited to contribute to the enrichment of the lives of young, talented, Caribbean athletes.”
Among the Caribbean countries earmarked for BVBIA – Caribbean academies are Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica to start, with Trinidad and Tobago being the base for the flagship academy. Guyana has already confirmed its interest to be among the first group of Caribbean countries with an academy, and interest among other Caribbean countries is extremely high.
The BVBIA – Caribbean, will offer a holistic programme for young aspiring footballers, including 360 degree coaching programmes, strength and conditioning training, health and lifestyle development programmes, goal-setting strategies and team and leadership training.
Over the medium to long-term, the Academy also aims to create legacy impact through scholarship and mentorship opportunities and community outreach, while ensuring that these initiatives uplift not just players, but families and communities.
Media representatives and sports journalists are invited to cover the media launch and the Under-17 tournament. Interview opportunities with Borussia Dortmund representatives and local football stakeholders will be available.
Under 17 teams and players interested in registering to be part of the academy can contact Andre Lawrence and/or Damon Leon at bvbiacaribbean@gmail.com
For media inquiries, contact:
Head of Marketing and Commercial
BVB International Academy – Caribbean
Tel: + 868 468 3268 Email: damon@generott.com or bvbiacaribbean@gmail.com