Photo courtesy of Borussia Dortmund.
The academy, based at Achimota School in the Ghanaian capital, has been established in partnership with Accra Shooting Stars FC and aims to provide structured football development for boys and girls aged between six and 18.
According to a club statement, the initiative represents a major milestone in youth football development in Ghana and forms part of Dortmund’s expanding global academy network.
Players enrolled at the academy will follow Borussia Dortmund’s internationally recognised training methodology, which places strong emphasis on discipline, leadership, education, nutrition and personal development, while remaining rooted in Ghana’s football culture.
Benedikt Scholz, Director of Internationalisation and Commercial Partnerships and Managing Director of the BVB Football Academy, said the launch reflected Dortmund’s long-standing ties with Ghana through former players such as Otto Addo and Ibrahim Tanko. He described the academy as a “strong statement” and said the club aimed to build sustainable structures for youth development in close cooperation with local partners.
Academy Director Teddy Hiadzi said the project was designed to be inclusive, offering pathways for both recreational and elite players. “Every child’s football journey is different,” he said, adding that the academy’s priority was to provide quality coaching, clear structure, and a safe environment for development on and off the pitch.
Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder and Black Stars legend Ibrahim Tanko, who has been appointed ambassador of the BVB International Academy Ghana, described the project as a special opportunity for young players. He said Ghana’s talent and passion for football made the country an ideal setting to instil the mindset and discipline required to succeed at the highest level.
The BVB International Academy Ghana will operate as an official member of Borussia Dortmund’s global International Academy network, which includes academies in Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Enrolment for the first intake is underway, with information sessions and football camps planned in cooperation with local schools.
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