New Jersey Youth Soccer announced today that it has officially renewed its partnership with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. The partnership will continue a dedicated focus on the development of youth soccer in New Jersey, and the two groups will also work together on a variety of community initiatives.
“The Red Bulls have eagerly supported our wide range of programming, including ODP, State Cups, Recreation and TOPSoccer,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We are excited about their desire to expand into additional areas as we collaborate to reach and support programming in urban areas.”
A key element of the partnership will be the New York Red Bulls Urban Soccer Program, which is an outreach initiative that serves urban communities in the tri-state area. Utilizing the Red Bulls’ extensive resources and player development expertise, the goal is to provide programs that help engage children in physical activity and use soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills, encourage the values of teamwork and promote discipline, confidence and self-esteem. NJ Youth Soccer and the Red Bulls are teaming up to bring the Urban Soccer Program to more communities in 2021.
The NJYS Young Olympians Program will also continue to be a focus of the partnership. Designed specifically for players born in 2010 and 2011, Young Olympians is an introductory stage for those who aspire to play at a high level and provides a pathway to New Jersey ODP. The program includes training sessions throughout the season and will conclude with a 4v4 and 9v9 tournament.
“We are excited to continue our strong partnership with NJYS who have been one of our key strategic player development partners,” said David Jervis, Red Bulls Sr. Director of Youth Programs & Academy Business Operations. “Through these various community outreach and player identification initiatives, we are able to offer youth players, coaches and their families with a direct connection to our club.”
Additionally, the partnership with the Red Bulls will maintain a mutual focus on community outreach initiatives. Both groups will continue to collaborate with TOPSoccer, a community-based training and team placement program for young players with disabilities. Through the relationship, an NJYS member club is selected each season to have Red Bulls coaches work with their TOPSoccer program.
Another unique part of this relationship is the NJYS Goal of the Year Powered by the New York Red Bulls, which is an annual award that is presented by NJ Youth Soccer in collaboration with the Red Bulls. The most recent winner was Neha Thota, who participated in an interview feature by Connor Lade, former Red Bulls player and current Senior Manager of Alumni & Player Relations, and Red Bulls captain Sean Davis.
