Borussia Dortmund to Launch Football Academy in Trinidad and Tobago Next Month – Report
German football powerhouse Borussia Dortmund is set to establish its first youth academy in the Caribbean, with the official launch of the BVB International Academy – Caribbean scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago.
The initiative, reported by CNC3 TV in the twin-island republic, is being spearheaded by Athletes and Fans Sports Village, co-founded by Colin Rocke, Martin Lashley, and Chief Executive Officer Andre Lawrence. The academy will be marketed and developed commercially under the direction of Damon Leon, who will serve as Head of Marketing and Commercial.
This landmark project will bring Borussia Dortmund’s internationally respected training philosophy to Caribbean shores. The same methodology that has helped shape global stars like Marco Reus, Jude Bellingham, Mario Götze, Jadon Sancho, Youssoufa Moukoko, and Erling Haaland will now be used to nurture young football talent from the region.
According to CEO Andre Lawrence, the Caribbean is rich with raw athletic talent but has historically lacked a systematic, high-level development platform.
“This academy provides a structured pathway for student-athletes who aspire to reach the professional level,” Lawrence said. “It’s a unique opportunity to fuse world-class training standards with the untapped potential we see across the region.”
Representatives from Borussia Dortmund are expected to arrive in Trinidad on Friday, July 25, ahead of the official launch.
As part of the festivities, a one-day U-17 Invitational Tournament—the BVB/Gatorade Under-17 Challenger Cup—will take place on Sunday, July 27, at the CIC Grounds in Port of Spain, featuring six invited teams.
Organisers say the academy will focus on more than just technical football development. It will incorporate Dortmund’s holistic approach, which includes mental and tactical training, academic education, and character development.
The BVB International Academy – Caribbean aims to become a transformative bridge between European football excellence and Caribbean promise. The launch represents Borussia Dortmund’s first official youth academy presence in the region, a milestone that could shape the future of football development across the Caribbean.
