On Wednesday, the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex hosted youth athletes for the BVB International Academy North America tryouts— another step forward in the collaboration between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Borussia Dortmund (BVB) that was announced last year.
On the latest episode of Sounding Off on Soccer, Pittsburgh Soccer Now’s John Krysinsky caught up with BVB’s Dru Wright (Chief Football Officer – BVB International Academy North America) and and the Steelers’ Reagan Berube (Sr Director Content and International Development) to discuss the tangible impact of this global bridge.
From coaching education and School of Excellence scouting to hosting flag football in Germany, learn how these two legendary organizations are leveraging their shared Steel City DNA to create a unique holistic environment for local players.
Listen Anywhere
- The Steel City Synergy: How the shared industrial heritage and Black & Gold identity of Pittsburgh and Dortmund created a natural foundation for this partnership.
- A Very Real Connection: Why hosting youth tryouts at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex is a major milestone in making the partnership tangible for local families.
- The BVB Way: Dru Wright explains the Heavy Metal football philosophy—high tempo, high intensity, and a focus on doing things the right way.
- Global Brand Expansion: Reagan Berube discusses the Steelers’ international efforts in Germany, including flag football camps and official watch parties at Signal Iduna Park.
- Player Pathways: Details on the School of Excellence program and the direct scouting line for Pittsburgh players (both male and female) to train in Germany.
- Holistic Development: Moving beyond pay-to-play to focus on building professional skill sets that serve athletes both on and off the pitch.
- Coaching Education: The commitment to developing local Western PA coaches through monthly calls and direct mentorship from BVB’s German staff.
- Future Vision: A look at the step-by-step growth of the collaboration and the potential for more international soccer events returning to Pittsburgh.
About the guests:
Dru Wright, Chief Football Officer – BVB International Academy North America
Dru is the gatekeeper of the “BVB Way.” Dortmund is world-famous for its youth development (think Pulisic, Bellingham, Haaland). Wright’s goal is to ensure the Pittsburgh kids aren’t just wearing the badge but are actually learning the Dortmund methodology.
Reagan Berube, Sr Director Content and International Development, Pittsburgh Steelers
Reagan is a key architect of the Steelers’ international expansion. Since the Steelers received NFL marketing rights for Germany in 2024, they’ve been aggressive in building a “home away from home” in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
PSN’s Featured Community Partner: Open Field International
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
USL Championship Atlantic Division Preview: Familiarity breeds contempt
