As we near the end of another fantastic year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the success of 2024 and share some exciting updates for the LJBC Football Academy in 2025.

A Year of Growth and Achievement

This year has been a landmark one for the Academy, marked by incredible student development, outstanding team performances and the introduction of new opportunities to enhance our program.

Highlights of 2024 include:

• Borussia Dortmund Partnership: We became an Official Youth Development Partner of Borussia Dortmund, providing our students access to a world-class network renowned for youth development, the BVB E-Academy platform, and future opportunities to train in Germany and visit partner clubs across Asia.
• International Competitions: Our U14 Girls represented us proudly at the SingaCup in Singapore, showcasing their skills against international competition.
• State & National Success: Several of our teams reached State Finals in the SSWA Champion Schools Competition, and many students earned professional contracts and state or national team call-ups.
• Pathways Abroad: Graduates achieved scholarships at U.S. colleges, including West Virginia University and Central Illinois College.

We’re immensely proud of these accomplishments and grateful for the support of students, parents, and staff who made this possible.

Acknowledging Individual Achievements

Professional Contracts/Clubs

• Daniel Bennie: Signed a 3-year contract with Queens Park Rangers (English Championship)
• James Overy: Signed a 3-year contract with Manchester United (English Premier League)
• Khoa Ngo: Signed a 1-year contract with Perth Glory (Australian A-League)
• Gio De Abreu: Represented Bayern Munich’s World Squad in the USA and Germany and has been selected again for 2025

State and National Representatives

• National Teams:
• Manolo Veneracion: Selected for the Philippines U19 squad for the ASEAN Games.
• Daniel Bennie: Scored against China while representing Australia U20 National Team.
• Aaron Mukundu: Selected for Zimbabwe U17 for upcoming AFCON and U17 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
• WA State Team Representatives:
• Matias Morillo, Sean Doyle, Andy Bushell Hernandez, Will Carter, Noah Lowden, Daisy Snowden, Madison Navias, Halle Snowden, Abby Bastock, Gabriel Schmeidgen

Congratulations to all these students for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional achievements.

Exciting Changes for 2025

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce several updates to the Football Academy structure and programming:

Borussia Dortmund Initiatives

• BVB Camp (April 2025): In Week 10 Term 1, we’ll host Borussia Dortmund Youth Academy coaches for a week-long training camp. More information regarding the schedule for this week will be communicated to parents and students in Term 1 next year.
• Secondary Boys Germany Tour (December 2025): Expressions of interest are now open for Boys Football Academy students (Years 8–12). The tour includes training at Borussia Dortmund , matches against European opposition, visits to other Bundesliga clubs and cultural experiences in Germany.

Primary Program Rebranding: BVB Pre-Academy

The Primary Football Program will now be known as the BVB Pre-Academy, focusing on inclusivity and earlier development.
Key Updates:

• Expanded to include students from Year 3–6, welcoming both boys and girls.
• Unified training for Academy and Development groups, ensuring equal access to high-quality coaching.
• Tailored ability-based training and fluid group movement to meet individual development needs.

New Secondary Transition Pathways

Starting Term 4, 2025, Year 6 students in the BVB Primary Pre-Academy will be selected to transition into one of two programs for Year 7: the Secondary BVB Football Academy or the Secondary Football Development Program. This will done on evaluation of students performance across Year 6.

As we close out the year, we are inspired by the dedication and progress of our students and the unwavering support of the College community. The coming year promises even greater opportunities for development, growth, and success. Thank you for being an integral part of the LJBC Football Academy. We look forward to continuing this journey together in 2025 and beyond.

Kind regards,
LJBC Football Academy Coaches