BVB International Academy El Paso has been accepted into the National 1 League for the U17 and U18 age groups, 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 U17 and U18 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 U17 and U18 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 Groups: U17 and U18
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 U17 and U18 levels, 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 U17 and U18 National 1 teams. 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 U17 and U18 Players
Come ready to compete and be evaluated.
The next step in the player pathway is here.
