Junior Flores inks deal with Dortmund of German Professional League

Former Virginia ODP and Great Falls player Junior Flores has just recently signed with the German Bundesliga champion Borussia Dortmund.

Flores, 16, agreed to a four-year deal that will go into effect in March 2014, when he turns 18. The central attacking midfielder is currently in his second year of full time residency with the US under-17 team in Bradenton, Fl. The squad recently finished second in the prestigious AGS Cup in Spain.

“When he played here, you could see his work ethic and talent. Junior is such a humble young man who comes from a very supportive family. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.” Said Flores’s former Great Falls Ranger youth coach Mark Ryan.

After he caught the eye of the National team coach, through an ODP event, he was invited to the prestigious National Team U-17 team program. At an international tournament last winter, Flores began attracting interest from MLS and foreign clubs, including Liverpool , Paris St. Germain and Manchester United. MLS offered him a Generation Adidas contract with a low salary and bonuses but it was no-where near what Borussia Dortmund was offering.

“He’s already been away from home for two years now in Bradenton. So the adjustment, when moving to Europe, should be an easier transition. It’s good that he is going to an established European power, where they are used to grooming up and coming young talent. Perhaps he can learn his craft of what it’s like to be a professional soccer player without being in the spotlight too soon.” Said VYSA Technical Director and former ODP coach of Flores, Gordon Miller.

Until he turns 18, the Manassas resident will continue practicing and attending school in Florida. He will report to Dortmund for informal workouts during breaks in his schedule.

“We’re so happy” about the Dortmund deal, Oscar Flores (Junior’s Dad) said. “We still don’t believe it’s really happening.”

We all wish him the best of luck.