During the weekend of March 20th – 21st, Red Bulls Training Facility played host to the third annual RDS Invitational, a cost-free, invite only tournament for some of the top U10 & U11 teams in the region. After a brief hiatus in 2020, the event returned with more teams than ever before, in it’s now customary behind-closed-doors format.
Planned as a warm-up for the spring season, the RDS Invitational was not originally envisioned as a players-only event. However, when the inaugural tournament was initially jeopardized by several feet of snow, parents were restricted from attending as the snowbanks restricted access to the viewing areas at Red Bulls Training Facility.
That first year, miraculous efforts from the ground staff ensured the fields were clear, and the players reveled in the rare opportunity to play competitive games without spectators. The tradition was born, and every RDS Invitational since has been played out in front of an empty training facility.
This year, 16 teams enjoyed the opportunity to play at Red Bulls state-of-the-art training facility and experience the same world class playing facilities that our professional players experience on a daily basis. Indeed, for those present on the Saturday, Invitational games took place in the shadow of RBII’s training session, and just a stone’s throw from Sky Blue’s match – both occurring on site at the same time.
With no final standings or placement games, the players were free to shake the rust off a long (and cold) off-season, in preparation for the imminent spring competition. Parents were able to watch a live-stream of the event, and stay up to date with proceedings from afar.
Red Bulls RDS & Pre-Academy would like to thank the following clubs for their participation across both age groups, and their help in creating a supportive and pressure free environment for the players.
- Ironbound Soccer Club (Academy Affiliate)
- TSF (Academy Affiliate)
- AS Junior
- PDA
- Wyckoff Torpedoes
- Real NJ
- STA
For more information on how to join the spring RDS, and earn opportunities to represent the RDS Showcase Teams, Pre-Academy and Academy, click here.
