Groundbreaking Scholarship Opportunity for American Youth Soccer Players
In a transformative move aimed at nurturing elite soccer players in North America, Borussia Mönchengladbach, a prominent Bundesliga club, has partnered with the International Soccer Academy to announce an ambitious scholarship program. This initiative invites talented youth players born in 2007 or 2008 to apply for a fully funded residency, set to take place in Germany during the 2025–26 season.
Unique Funding Structure for Talented American Players
This scholarship represents a unique opportunity breaking the traditional pay-to-play model that often hinders potential talent from accessing top-notch training. It offers a comprehensive nine-month academy experience that includes housing, training facilities, kits, meals, and academic support at no cost to the selected player, apart from the travel expenses to and from Germany.
Diane Scavuzzo, Co-Founder of the International Soccer Academy, emphasized the impact of this scholarship: "For the first time, we are offering true access to world-class development for the most gifted and dedicated youth soccer player, regardless of their family's financial status."
Training and Development at Borussia Mönchengladbach
Selected players will integrate into the Borussia Mönchengladbach Integrated Academy, where they’ll experience day-to-day life as a professional athlete, receiving training from UEFA-licensed coaches. The program is designed to foster skills comparable to European standards, as it includes over 20 hours of rigorous training each week.
Players will compete against leading German youth clubs and academies, ensuring they are stretched to reach their full potential. Additionally, the program incorporates academic continuity through online schooling, allowing players to balance education and sports seamlessly.
Pathway to Future Success
This scholarship not only nurtures immediate skills but also opens pathways to professional or collegiate soccer opportunities. As noted by Joe Scally, a U.S. Men's National Team player and Bundesliga defender, the chance to train with Borussia Mönchengladbach could redefine a young player's career trajectory. "Training in Europe is a life-changing experience that can elevate your game in unimaginable ways," Scally commented.
Application Process
Interested players are invited to:
1. Visit
International Soccer Academy's website and submit an application along with a highlight video.
2. If shortlisted, scouts from the International Soccer Academy or Borussia Mönchengladbach may attend matches for in-person evaluations.
3. Finalists will go through interviews assessing their technical skills, tactical understanding, and character alignment with the team's ethos.
Only one scholarship will be awarded, but additional roster spots may be available for other deserving players, provided they meet the high expectations set forth by both organizations.
A New Chapter in Youth Development
This innovative partnership represents a critical shift in how American soccer talent is identified and nurtured. With over 220 player trials carried out in Europe by the International Soccer Academy in just four years, the success stories continue to grow as players transition into successful careers.
As Ronald Virkus, Managing Director of Sport at Borussia Mönchengladbach articulated, "We are building a bridge between Europe and North America." This initiative is a significant step toward removing barriers and enabling access to elite environments for aspiring soccer players.
This scholarship not only embodies the ambition of nurturing talent but also aims to inspire a new generation of American soccer players to achieve their dreams on an international scale. Don’t miss this chance to embark on an extraordinary journey—apply now!
For more information regarding the scholarship and application details, visit
International Soccer Academy.