The Borussia Dortmund International Academy (BVB IA) Caribbean has expanded its footprint in Trinidad and Tobago with the official launch of its BVB West location at the St Joseph’s Convent Grounds in Port of Spain.

This exciting milestone for local sport and youth development is being fueled by a new partnership with bmobile, Trinidad and Tobago’s leading communications solutions provider.

Through this collaboration, bmobile has reinforced its long-standing commitment to national progress by investing in sport, education, and youth development. The company’s support will help amplify the reach and sustainability of the BVB Caribbean programme one of the few elite European football academies to establish roots in the region.

The BVB initiative brings the world-renowned Borussia Dortmund training methodology to young footballers between the ages of 9 and 19, offering structured, high-intensity coaching three days a week throughout the year.

BVB West adds to existing academies in Valsayn and Aranguez, with future expansion planned throughout Trinidad and Tobago and eventually, the English, French, Dutch, and Spanish-speaking Caribbean.

“At bmobile, we believe in the limitless potential of our nation’s youth. By supporting initiatives like the BVB International Academy Caribbean, we are investing in the next generation of leaders, athletes, and citizens,” said Sherise Boodoo, Chief Marketing Officer (Ag.) at bmobile.

“Football teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, qualities that transcend the sport itself. We remain committed to continuously investing in youth through sport and community-building initiatives across Trinidad and Tobago.”

The partnership reflects bmobile’s strategic goal of empowering youth through sport while building strong, future-ready communities, values that align directly with Borussia Dortmund’s own development ethos.
All players in the programme train underage-specific modules developed in Germany, structured around the same curriculum that has produced global stars for Bundesliga and beyond.

Andre Lawrence, CEO of BVB IA Caribbean, praised the club’s decision to invest in the region, noting the need for structure and opportunity in Trinidad and Tobago’s youth football.

“That’s what Dortmund is bringing, the opportunity to play at a higher level and the structure to help them develop better and faster,” said Lawrence.

Beyond the pitch, the programme also provides academic development support and college athlete scholarship opportunities, reinforcing its focus on holistic growth.

“It’s all part of holistic development for the young kids,” Lawrence explained. “We’re very happy and proud to be on board with bmobile.

BVB IA Caribbean plans to create a long-term technical ecosystem, combining elite coaching from both local and international trainers. Coaches will benefit from overseas training in the U.S. and Germany, while international staff will periodically visit to transfer new coaching techniques and performance insights.
“Throughout the Caribbean, no international academy has been resident anywhere. Borussia Dortmund is here for the long haul,” Lawrence added. “This is a real chance to help develop some big talent that can hopefully play in Europe at some time.”

Among the dozens of players at the inaugural BVB West session was 15-year-old Israel Best, a winger from Trinity College Moka who plays for the school’s second XI.

“It was a great experience. We did passing, technical work and some shooting drills, one-on-one, two versus twos,” said Best. “I anticipate the upcoming sessions to be even better. I have to focus and train hard. There should be more of these initiatives in Trinidad, it’s a great gesture by Borussia Dortmund.”

Participants from all three academies - West, Valsayn, and Aranguez also have the chance to be selected for a 2026 immersion trip to Germany, further reinforcing the elite nature of the programme.

“I’d really like to achieve going to Germany with the best of the lot that will be selected. I’ll have to work even harder to make sure I get picked. The trip to Germany makes me more motivated,” Best said.

Through its strategic backing, bmobile is helping build more than just footballers, it is supporting a sustainable framework for youth empowerment, skills development, and community transformation.