Beginning Sept. 26, 2010, the New York Red Bulls will be partnering with New Jersey Youth Soccer to offer a TOPsoccer Program to youth players in the New Jersey area. The TOPsoccer Program, which is offered under the umbrella of US Youth Soccer, is designed to allow any child the opportunity to learn and play soccer, specifically those who have a mental or physical disability. The Red Bulls will be the first Major League Soccer Team to operate this program.
“We feel it is extremely important that our youth programs cater to all players regardless of their background or playing abilities,” said David Jervis, Director of Training Programs with the New York Red Bulls. “Adding this component to our grass roots programs is an important aspect in serving the local soccer community.”
“The New York Red Bulls stand for top soccer, played at the highest level in the country. New York Red Bulls TOPSoccer stands for the New York Red Bulls reaching out to the children with special needs in the community. The Outreach Program for Soccer is a great way of touching the lives of many children who normally would not have the chance to play the beautiful game. We want to thank the New York Red Bulls for making the dream of many children come true," said Auke Wiersma, Program Director, TOPSoccer New Jersey.
The program’s inaugural season will be launched this coming fall, with sessions running every Sunday for five weeks. The program will be operated at Harrison High School and will be supported by the Red Bulls’ local partner, the Harrison Recreation Department. All costs of the program will be covered by the New York Red Bulls. For more information, please visit www.redbullsacademy.com.
