BVBIA El Paso - News

Coaches Spotlight: Coach Santiago Ruiz

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 01:11:59 -0700

Coach Santiago Ruiz is one of the fairly newest additions to the BVB International Academy El Paso coaching staff, joining the club in May. As head coach of the U14B Black team, he has quickly become a valued part of the BVB family, bringing a positive attitude and plenty of energy to the pitch.

Since joining the club, Coach Santiago has taken on the opportunity to work with the U14B Black team, helping players continue to develop and improve while creating an enjoyable environment at training. His enthusiasm for coaching is evident every time he steps onto the field.

For Coach Santiago, creating a positive atmosphere is an important part of the game. Whether it's during training or working with his players, his upbeat personality helps make the pitch a place where players can enjoy learning and developing, even though he supports Real Madrid...

As Communications Coordinator, Benjamin Grajeda puts it: “I've known Coach Santiago for over 10 years, and one thing that's always stood out to me is his personality and passion for the game. He's an awesome coach, and he's always in a good mood when he's out on the pitch at training. He brings a positive energy wherever he goes, and that's something his players get to experience every day."

We are grateful to have Coach Santiago on our coaching staff and appreciate the commitment and enthusiasm he brings to BVBIA El Paso. We look forward to seeing him continue to make an impact with the U14B Black team!

October Players of the Month

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 01:04:51 -0700

Congratulations to our October Players of the Month, Jared Leon from U8B Black and Sophia Moreno from U11G Black!

Jared has stood out for his understanding of the game and ability to compete beyond his age group. His soccer IQ and awareness on the field have made him a valuable player for his team.

Coach Alain on Jared: “This player has a good IQ on the field. He's a reference for me and can play with the U9 and U10 age groups.”

Sophia's commitment has been evident throughout training and games. Even when the team has faced challenges, she has continued to bring the same effort each week and set a great example through her work ethic.

Coach Brant on Sophia: “Sophia has worked hard in training and games. Our team has faced much difficulty, but this hasn't phased Sophia in her effort each week.”

We're proud of both players and the work they've put in this season. Keep it up, Jared and Sophia!

HEJA BVB!!! 💛🖤⚽️

September Players of the Month

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:03:46 -0700

Congratulations to our September Players of the Month, Madelyn Rodriguez from U7G Black and Preston Edwards from U10B Black!

Coach Marisela and Coach Juan on Madelyn: “I am proud to nominate Maddie for the Respect Award. She shows up to every practice ready to listen, work hard, and tackle any challenge head-on. Maddie demonstrates deep respect for her team by staying attentive, offering help to her teammates with gratitude and a smile, and bringing positive energy to every drill. Her willingness to support others and learn makes her a role model of respect on and off the field.”

Coach Joe on Preston:“Preston represents BVB as a true example of great effort, sportsmanship, positive attitude, determination to get better as a player. He’s very coachable, and competitor.”

Congratulations, Maddie and Preston! Keep up the great work!

HEJA BVB!!! 💛🖤⚽️

BVBIA El Paso Welcomes Coach Annika Theobald from Borussia Dortmund

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 12:05:19 -0700

BVBIA El Paso is excited to welcome Coach Annika Theobald from Borussia Dortmund for a special free girls training session on Friday, August 7, at El Paso High School.

Annika serves as Manager International Partnerships & Girls Programs for Borussia Dortmund and brings a strong background in both playing and coaching the game. She holds a UEFA B-License and played soccer for nearly 14 years, reaching the second division in Germany.

Her visit represents a unique opportunity for young female players in El Paso to train, learn, and connect directly with someone from one of the most recognized clubs in world football. The session is designed to inspire girls of all ages, build confidence, and give players a firsthand look at the energy, standards, and development culture connected to Borussia Dortmund.

Event Information:

U7–U10: 6:00–7:30 PM

Location: El Paso High School
Cost: Free

Click here to Register

At BVBIA El Paso, we believe in creating meaningful opportunities for players to grow on and off the field. Coach Annika’s visit is another important step in expanding girls programming, strengthening the pathway for female players, and bringing the BVB experience directly to our local community.

Families are encouraged to register early, as space may be limited.

Limited Space Available

BVBIA El Paso Player Juan Daniel Carrera Miranda Signs with FC Juárez

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 22:11:14 -0700

A New Chapter Begins: Former BVBIA El Paso Player Juan Daniel Carrera Miranda Signs with FC Juárez

BVB International Academy El Paso is proud to celebrate an exciting milestone in the journey of former player Juan Daniel Carrera Miranda, who has signed a one-year contract with FC Juárez to join the club’s Under-17 team.

Originally from Meoqui, Chihuahua, Juan Daniel’s journey has been built through hard work, discipline, commitment, and a willingness to challenge himself at every stage of his development.

His move to FC Juárez represents an important next step in his football career and an opportunity to continue his development within a professional club environment.

From El Paso to Dortmund and Now to FC Juárez

During his time with BVB International Academy El Paso, Juan Daniel earned the opportunity to participate in the BVB International Academy School of Excellence, including traveling to Dortmund, Germany, where he experienced the culture, standards, and demands of football at a higher level.

The School of Excellence experience is designed to challenge ambitious players beyond their everyday club environment. For Juan Daniel, the journey to Borussia Dortmund in Germany became another important chapter in a much larger development story—one that continues today with his move to FC Juárez.

His progression is a reminder that player development is not defined by one tournament, one season, one trip, or one opportunity. It is the result of consistently showing up, embracing challenges, learning from new experiences, and continuing to work toward the next level.

An Important Step Forward

Joining the FC Juárez U17 setup gives Juan Daniel the opportunity to continue developing within a professional academy environment while competing alongside other talented young players pursuing their own ambitions in the game.

For any young player, taking the next step requires courage and commitment. New environments bring new expectations, new teammates, new coaches, and new challenges. They also create opportunities for growth.
Juan Daniel has earned the opportunity to take that next step.

We are incredibly proud to have been part of his journey and to see a former BVBIA El Paso player continue moving forward in the game.

The Journey Continues

At BVB International Academy El Paso, we believe our role is to help players become prepared for the opportunities that may come next.

Every player's pathway is different. For some, the next step may be a higher level of competition. For others, it may be a School of Excellence experience, college soccer, or an opportunity within a professional academy environment.
The goal is not simply to move players forward. It is to help them develop the technical ability, mentality, confidence, discipline, and character required to be ready when the next opportunity arrives.

Juan Daniel’s journey is his own—and he has earned this moment.

We congratulate Juan Daniel Carrera Miranda and his family on this important achievement and thank everyone who has played a role in supporting his development along the way.

Juan Daniel, everyone at BVB International Academy El Paso wishes you tremendous success in this new chapter with FC Juárez.

This is an important next step—and we believe it is only the beginning.

¡Mucho éxito, Juan Daniel! ⚽💛🖤

BVBIA El Paso Accepted Into National 1 League

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:30:42 -0700

BVB International Academy El Paso has been accepted into the National 1 League for the U16 age group, marking a major step forward for the club, its players, and the broader El Paso soccer community.

THIS IS BIG NEWS!

National 1 is described as the top team-based competition in US Club Soccer and US Youth Soccer, creating a unified national platform connected to the ECNL pathway. For players in El Paso, West Texas, and New Mexico, this represents a new level of competition, visibility, and opportunity close to home.

For BVBIA El Paso, acceptance into National 1 is more than a league placement. It is a statement about the direction of the club.

It means our oldest academy players will now have access to a competitive structure designed for serious teams, ambitious players, and clubs that are prepared to represent their region at a higher level. National 1 South District 4 includes El Paso, West Texas, and New Mexico, with the goal of bringing together top teams across the region in a meaningful, structured competition format.

A New Competitive Pathway for El Paso Players

The National 1 League provides a clear competitive platform for players who want more than local games. The league structure includes regular-season competition, playoff opportunities, and a pathway that can lead to ECNL Conference League Playoff qualification for top-performing teams.

For U16 players, this matters.

These are critical years in a player’s development. Players at this stage are preparing for college opportunities, higher-level competition, showcase environments, and the next step in their soccer journey. National 1 gives players a platform where every match matters and every performance contributes to their development.

BVBIA El Paso’s acceptance into National 1 gives committed players in the Borderland region a new opportunity to compete, grow, and be seen without having to leave El Paso to find a higher-level environment.

Why This Matters for BVBIA El Paso

BVBIA El Paso was built to provide a real player pathway connected to the standards, methodology, and identity of Borussia Dortmund. The club’s mission has always been to raise the level of soccer in El Paso while giving local players access to better training, better competition, and bigger opportunities.

Being accepted into National 1 is another major step in that direction.

This opportunity strengthens the BVBIA El Paso pathway by giving top players a competitive destination inside the club. Players can now develop within the BVBIA environment and compete in a league designed for serious teams looking to test themselves at a higher level. It also creates a stronger bridge between local development and regional/national competition.

Recruiting Players

BVBIA El Paso is actively recruiting players for the U16 National 1 teams. Players interested in being considered for these teams should attend the recruiting event on:

Date: Saturday, August 9

Location: El Paso High School

Program: BVBIA El Paso National 1 Recruiting

Age Group: U16

This event is for players who are serious about competing, developing, and representing BVBIA El Paso in the National 1 League.

We are looking for players who are ambitious, coachable, competitive, committed, and ready to train and play in an environment with high expectations. Talent matters, but so does mentality. National 1 is for players who want to be pushed.

What Players Can Expect

Players selected for the National 1 teams will be part of a competitive academy environment focused on development, performance, and accountability.

The National 1 platform is designed to provide structured competition, meaningful matches, and a pathway to postseason opportunities. In South District 4, the league format is built around regular-season matches, playoff rounds, and advancement opportunities for top-performing teams.

For players, this means a better weekly competitive standard, stronger team expectations, and more opportunities to test themselves against top regional opponents.

A Big Moment for the Borderland

El Paso has talented players. It has committed families. It has coaches, clubs, and teams working every year to grow the game. Now, with BVBIA El Paso accepted into National 1 at the U16 level, the region has another important competitive platform for players who want to take the next step.

This is a moment for the club, but it is also a moment for the city.

BVBIA El Paso is proud to represent the Borderland in this new competition and excited to welcome players who are ready for the challenge.

Join Us August 9

BVBIA El Paso is recruiting now for its U16 National 1 team. If you are a serious player looking for a higher-level environment, this is your opportunity.

National 1 Recruiting Event

Saturday, August 9

El Paso High School U16 Players

Come ready to compete and be evaluated.

The next step in the player pathway is here.

National 1 League Explained with Cesar Sosa

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 23:29:32 -0700

BVBIA El Paso sits down with Cesar Sosa, National 1 South District 4 Director, to explain what the National 1 League is and what it means for the future of competitive youth soccer in El Paso, West Texas, and New Mexico.

In this interview, we discuss how National 1 creates a stronger regional platform for serious teams, why meaningful matches matter for player development, how the league structure works, and how this opportunity connects local players to a broader competitive pathway.

For BVBIA El Paso families, this is an important conversation. National 1 is more than another league. It represents a higher standard, a clearer pathway, and a bigger stage for committed players in the Borderland.

Topics covered include:

What National 1 is
Why South District 4 matters
How the league structure works
What families should understand about competition and travel
Why meaningful matches are important
How National 1 helps raise the standard for El Paso soccer

Watch the full interview to learn why National 1 is a major step forward for players, families, clubs, and the future of soccer in our region.

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WHAT MAKES A BVB PLAYER?

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 13:38:14 -0700

What Makes a BVB Player?

At BVB International Academy, we talk often about developing players “the BVB way.” But what does that actually mean?
It is not just about wearing black and yellow. It is not just about playing for a club connected to Borussia Dortmund. And it is not just about being talented.
A BVB player is built through habits, mentality, character, and a clear understanding of how the game should be played. The badge matters, but the behavior behind the badge matters even more.

A BVB Player Is Ambitious

Ambition is one of the core values of Borussia Dortmund. For our players, ambition does not simply mean wanting to win. It means wanting to improve.
A BVB player trains with purpose. They want more out of every session. They are curious. They ask questions. They listen to feedback. They compete in training because they understand that development does not happen by accident.
Ambition shows up in the small details: arriving prepared, staying focused, working on weaknesses, and holding yourself to a higher standard even when no one is watching.

The best players are not always the ones who are the most talented at an early age. They are often the ones who are willing to keep learning, keep competing, and keep growing.

A BVB Player Is Brave

Borussia Dortmund has a long tradition of developing young players who are trusted to play with confidence, creativity, and courage. That same idea is central to how we develop players at BVB International Academy.

A BVB player is not afraid to make mistakes. They are willing to take players on, solve problems, play forward, press aggressively, and try to influence the game.
Bravery does not mean being reckless. It means having the confidence to make decisions and the resilience to learn from them.

Young players need an environment where they are encouraged to think, adapt, and take ownership. We want players who do not hide from the game. We want players who want the ball, want responsibility, and want to make an impact.

A BVB Player Is Powerful

Power in soccer is not only physical. It is also emotional, technical, and tactical.

A powerful player has presence. They compete. They respond to challenges. They bring energy to their team. They understand that their body language, effort, and intensity affect the people around them.

At BVBIA, we want players who are strong in duels, sharp in transition, aggressive in pressing, and confident in possession. But we also want players who are mentally strong enough to handle setbacks, difficult games, and demanding training environments.

Powerful players do not disappear when the game becomes hard. They step into the challenge.

A BVB Player Is Responsible

Responsibility is a major part of the BVB identity.

A BVB player understands that being part of a team comes with expectations. They are responsible for their preparation, their attitude, their effort, and the way they treat teammates, coaches, opponents, referees, and families.

Responsibility also means learning the game. Players must begin to understand their role, their position, their decisions, and how their actions affect the team.

At younger ages, this responsibility starts with simple habits: listening, being coachable, bringing the right equipment, working hard, and showing respect.

As players get older, responsibility grows. They must manage pressure, communicate on the field, lead by example, and take ownership of their development.

A BVB Player Is Real

To be “real” means to be authentic, honest, grounded, and connected to something bigger than yourself.
A BVB player does not need to pretend to be perfect. Development is not a straight line. There will be mistakes, losses, frustration, and difficult moments. What matters is how the player responds.

Being real means showing humility when things go well and resilience when things do not. It means being honest about where you are, while still believing in where you can go.

It also means understanding the culture of the club. Borussia Dortmund is known for passion, connection, loyalty, and authenticity. At BVBIA, we want our players to carry that spirit into their training environment, their teams, and their communities.

A BVB Player Plays for the Team

Individual development matters. But soccer is still a team game.

A BVB player learns how to use their individual qualities to help the team. They understand when to dribble, when to pass, when to press, when to cover, when to support, and when to lead.

We want creative players. We want confident players. We want players who can change games. But we also want players who understand that the team comes first.

The best players make the players around them better.

A BVB Player Embraces the Process

Development takes time.

There are no shortcuts to becoming a better player. Progress comes from repetition, feedback, competition, reflection, and consistency. A BVB player learns to embrace the process instead of only focusing on outcomes.

Winning matters. Competing matters. But long-term development requires patience. Players must learn that every training session, every match, every mistake, and every challenge is part of the journey.

At BVBIA, we are not only preparing players for the next weekend. We are helping prepare them for the next level.
A BVB Player Represents More Than Themselves

When a player wears the BVBIA badge, they represent their team, their family, their affiliate, the North American academy network, and the global identity of Borussia Dortmund.

That is a privilege. It is also a responsibility.

A BVB player should be recognized not only by how they play, but by how they carry themselves. They should be competitive, coachable, respectful, passionate, and committed to growth.

The goal is not to create players who all look the same. The goal is to help each player become the best version of themselves within a clear football culture.
The Standard Is Bigger Than the Badge

So, what makes a BVB player?

A BVB player is ambitious.

A BVB player is brave.

A BVB player is powerful.

A BVB player is responsible.

A BVB player is real.

They train with purpose. They compete with courage. They respect the game. They value the team. They embrace the process.

At BVB International Academy, we are not just developing soccer players. We are developing young people who understand what it means to pursue excellence, represent something bigger, and grow through the game.

That is what makes a BVB player.

The BVBIA PLAYER PATHWAY

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:58:59 -0700

Every player starts somewhere. What matters is where they’re going and how they get there.

At BVB International Academy El Paso, the pathway is not left to chance. It’s structured, intentional, and built on the proven development philosophy of Borussia Dortmund.

A Clear Progression

The BVBIA Player Pathway is designed to meet players where they are and guide them forward with purpose:

Mini / Little BEEs (Ages 3–6) - Introduction to the game through movement, coordination, and fun. The focus is on building confidence and a love for soccer.

Black & Yellow Academy (Ages 6–10)- Foundation phase where players develop technical skills, game understanding, and habits that support long-term growth.

Select Teams (Ages 8–18) - Competitive environments where players are challenged with higher intensity, tactical awareness, and consistent performance expectations.

School of Excellence (SOE) - Identification and development of top players across the network, leading to regional, national, and international opportunities, including experiences in Germany.

This pathway is about developing them properly at every stage. Each level builds on the one before it:

Strong technical foundations
Increasing tactical complexity
Greater physical and mental demands
Higher expectations for performance and accountability

The goal is not just progression, it’s readiness.

A Connected System

What makes the BVBIA pathway different is that it’s not isolated to one team or one location. Players across the metroplex, and across North America, are part of the same system, trained under the same philosophy, and evaluated against the same standards. That consistency creates real opportunities for advancement.

The End Goal

There is no single “finish line.” For some players, the pathway leads to high-level youth competition. For others, it opens doors to college soccer, national exposure, or international experiences.

What matters is that every player is developed with intention, given the tools to succeed, and placed in an environment that challenges them to grow.

The BVBIA Player Pathway is built on clarity, structure, and purpose. No shortcuts. No guesswork. Just a clear direction for every player who steps onto the field.

Because development isn’t random, it’s designed.

That's the BVB Way!

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Developing Players "The BVB WAY"

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 11:58:59 -0700

Player development isn’t about volume, it’s about intention.

At BVB International Academy El Paso , developing players the right way means following a clear, proven methodology rooted in the philosophy of Borussia Dortmund.

Training That Reflects the Game

Every session is designed to mirror real match situations.

Players are constantly placed in environments where they must make decisions under pressure, quickly, confidently, and with purpose. This is not about running through drills. It’s about learning how to read the game, adapt, and execute in real time.

Intensity With Purpose

The BVB way demands energy, speed, and focus.

Training is fast.

Actions are sharp.

Expectations are high.

But intensity isn’t just physical, it’s mental. Players are challenged to stay engaged, process information, and compete in every moment. That’s where real growth happens.

Developing Thinkers, Not Just Players

Technical ability matters, but tactical understanding matters more.

Our coaches prioritize teaching players why.

Why to press.

Why to move.

Why to pass.

Why to take risks.

Over time, players become independent decision-makers who can solve problems on the field without relying on constant instruction.

A Clear Pathway

Development doesn’t happen in isolation.

From foundational programs to advanced opportunities like the School of Excellence, players are part of a structured pathway that connects local training to national and international exposure.

The standard is consistent and the expectations are clear.

The Difference

Developing players the BVB way is not about chasing short-term results.

It’s about building complete players, technically sharp, tactically aware, mentally strong, and ready for the next level.

That’s the standard. That’s the process. And that’s how players grow.

That's the BVB Way.

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