Every year, a select group of players from BVB’s academy in Tucson earn the opportunity to train in Germany to step onto the same fields, breathe the same atmosphere, and feel the same intensity that shapes some of the best footballers in the world. For 13-year-old Thor Gildin, this dream became a reality.

Thor has been training with us, building his confidence, his technical skills, and (most importantly) his love for the game. So when he arrived in Dortmund, he didn’t just show up as a visitor. He arrived prepared.

“Just playing brings me so much fun.”

When Thor talks about football, he talks about joy. That same joy is what carried him through every session in Germany.

What he has practiced here (discipline, speed of play, communication) became tools he could use immediately once he stepped onto German ground.

At BVB Tucson, our coaching staff works intentionally to mirror this level of intensity. Quick decision-making, high-speed drills, and structured sessions gave Thor the foundation he needed to keep up in Dortmund. He wasn’t overwhelmed, he was ready.

Before traveling, Thor had a clear goal:

“I wanted to learn how to play different positions and improve my football IQ.”

Because he already trains in a system inspired by BVB Germany’s methodology, he knew how to adapt, how to listen, and how to handle the expectations.

Of course, training in a different country brings challenges. The language barrier was one of them.

“It was rough at first, but there were coaches who spoke English and Spanish. That helped a lot.”

Even this was part of the learning. Thor had to communicate clearly, react quickly, and stay focused. All skills we emphasize every day in BVB Arizona.

When we asked Thor what he would tell the next generation of kids dreaming of this experience, he didn’t hesitate:

“It’s really worth it. It’s all training, training, training, but it’s so much fun. Don’t take it for granted.”

And that’s exactly what this opportunity is about: growth, discipline, joy, and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to train like a true professional.

Thor’s journey shows exactly what we aim to create at BVB Tucson: A bridge between passionate young players here in Arizona and the world-class football culture in Dortmund.

If your player dreams of taking the next step (of training where champions are built) BVB Tucson is where that journey begins.

We can’t wait to see who earns a spot in next year’s trip!