The New York Red Bulls boast one of the strongest youth programs not just in MLS, but across the country. In addition to finding and developing local players that keep the academy teams near the top of the national rankings, the Red Bulls have demonstrated their commitment to the future of youth soccer in New York and New Jersey. The organization maintains partnerships with over 100 youth soccer programs, providing camps, clinics and in-house training from certified and professional Red Bull youth coaches.
Each month, NewYorkRedBulls.com will feature one of these partners in our Red Bulls Youth Partner Program Spotlight.
NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey Youth Soccer (NJYS) was founded in 1972 with the goal of providing local youth soccer players with the best coaching and training in the state. From its diminutive beginnings, the program quickly produced some of the game’s most heralded players including Tab Ramos (Kearny), Tony Meola (Kearny), John Harkes (Kearny), Christie Rampone (Point Pleasant), Carli Lloyd (Delran), Heather O’Reilly (East Brunswick) and Tim Howard (East Brunswick).
The New York Red Bulls and NJYS began their partnership in January 2014 and which has allowed for grassroots development outreach programs between NJYS and the Red Bulls Youth Training Programs. The two organizations work together in a number of key development areas such as coaching education, the Young Olympians Program, TOPSoccer and other community outreach initiatives.
“New Jersey Youth Soccer is thrilled to be working with a great organization like the Red Bulls,” NJYS president Roy Squillario said. “This partnership has expanded our ability to develop our players and coaches at all levels. It also demonstrates the Red Bulls’ unrivaled commitment to youth players in our state.”
The Red Bulls have also shown support for TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer), a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl with a mental or physical disability.
In December 2014, NJYS and the Just One Soccer League in Newark hosted a TOPSoccer Jamboree that trained local volunteer coaches and engaged more than 30 players from Elizabeth and Newark with special needs. The Red Bulls Street Team worked alongside NJYS coaches to create an entertaining afternoon for the kids and parents.
Last September, the Red Bulls held “NJYS Night” at Red Bull Arena which provided players, volunteers and coaches discount tickets to attend an exciting 3-0 victory against Toronto FC. A select group of NJYS players had the unique chance of being ball kids and experiencing the match at field level. Participants also received a behind-the-scenes look at Red Bull Arena.
In the Spring and Fall of each year, NJYS hosts the annual U.S. Youth Soccer State Cup tournament where member clubs from Under-10s to Under-18s are invited to participate in a statewide competitions with the opportunity to advance to Regional and National stages of the National Championship Series.
“Our partnership with New Jersey Youth Soccer allows our organization to connect with players, coaches and parents at all levels of the game,” Red Bulls Director of Training Programs David Jervis said. “NJYS has a long history of developing players and providing an environment and programs for families to enjoy the game of soccer. As a grassroots community focused club, the Red Bulls are privileged to be partners with an organization that offers so many great opportunities to children throughout the state on NJ.”
New Jersey Youth Soccer, affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation, is comprised of more than 150,000 players from 5 to 19-years-old; as well as thousands of coaches and volunteers. Members collectively support the sport of soccer through training, practice, competition and the spirit of good sportsmanship.
The New Jersey U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) provides training and competitive programs for players of the highest caliber for the purpose of increasing the success of the U.S. National Teams.
For more information on NJYS, call the office at 609-490-0725 or visit their website, njyouthsoccer.com.
