Albany, NY – March 27, 2025 – In a significant move for both the local sports community and youth soccer development, BWP Football Academy has announced a multi-year lease agreement with Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) Albany. The partnership will provide BWP Football Academy access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to further its mission of nurturing young talent and fostering a love of soccer in the region.
This exciting new collaboration will see BWP Football Academy utilizing CBA’s exceptional athletic grounds, including access to the Karen and Frank Willey ’71 Dome, the stadium field turf, natural grass soccer fields, training rooms, lecture hall, and gymnasium. The lease agreement spans multiple years and represents a long-term commitment between the two organizations to elevate youth soccer in Albany and the surrounding communities. BWP Football Academy enters its 30th year of operation in 2026 and has a reach that stretches beyond the Capital Region.
Building the Future of Soccer in Albany
BWP Football Academy, known for its comprehensive approach to soccer training, will continue to bring its rich history of player development programs to the market. With a focus on skill development, tactical awareness, character development, and mental resilience, the BWP Football Academy’s curriculum has earned praise from soccer professionals and parents alike. BWP Football Academy was recently accepted into the Elite Club National League (ECNL) at the Regional Level.
“The signing of this multi-year lease agreement marks a major step forward in our efforts to create a more robust soccer culture in Albany,” said Steve Freeman, Academy Director of BWP Football Academy. “Christian Brothers Academy has always been a cornerstone of education and athletics in this community, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside them to continue to provide even more opportunities for local youth players to grow, develop and potentially reach their personal goals.”
A Strong Partnership
Christian Brothers Academy has long been recognized for its commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. With a rich tradition of fostering talent and encouraging student-athletes to succeed, CBA is excited to extend its impact by partnering with BWP Football Academy.
“We are proud to partner with an organization that shares our values of leadership, dedication, and community,” said Dr. James Schlegel, President of Christian Brothers Academy. “BWP Football Academy has an outstanding reputation, and we are confident that this collaboration will be mutually beneficial, enriching the lives of our students, athletes, and the broader Albany community.” BWP Football Academy has been operating out of the Academy since 2014.
What’s Next for BWP Football Academy?
With this new agreement, BWP Football Academy has gained access to running its programming year-round, no matter the weather. “This access allows our Academy to focus on our players, cohorts, and program design to better enhance the player experience,” said Freeman.
BWP Football Academy will continue to host home league matches and friendly matches, plus adding competitive tournaments at the CBA facilities, further integrating the academy into the fabric of the local sports community.
Conclusion
The partnership between BWP Football Academy and Christian Brothers Academy is a promising step toward enhancing soccer development and opportunities for youth athletes in Albany. With access to top-tier facilities, professional coaching, and a shared commitment to excellence, the future of soccer in the region looks brighter than ever.
As this multi-year lease agreement unfolds, it is clear that both organizations are poised to make a lasting impact on the community and its young athletes.
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