HARRISON, N.J. (March 19, 2015) – The New York Red Bulls II have announced the first signing in team history as Red Bulls academy product Tyler Adams has agreed to a USL contract, the club announced today.
Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Adams, a native of Wappingers Falls, N.Y., was first introduced to the organization through the Red Bulls Regional Development School program at the age of 10. Two years later, he joined the Red Bulls Academy Under-13 team.
“This is a great day for the club, Tyler and his family,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis. “This signing is a testament to Tyler’s hard work and to Bob Montgomery and our academy coaching staff.”
“This is the perfect example of how we expect the player development model to work,” continued Curtis. “Giving a talented local player every opportunity to excel in our youth system, having him earn a spot with the U.S. U-17 National Team, and then transitioning him to a professional environment where he can continue to develop and improve. Tyler has a bright future and we look forward to him representing the club at all levels.”
After joining the academy Adams was called into his first U.S. Youth National Team camp. He quickly progressed through the Red Bulls U-14 and U-16 sides, as worked his way into the U.S. U-15 team. Last August, he was invited to join the U.S. U-17 residency program in Bradenton, Fla. He has participated in all major tournaments with the team since, and appeared in every game of last week’s CONCACAF U-17 Championships in Honduras. The U.S. defeated Jamaica on Sunday to secure a spot in the upcoming U-17 World Cup.
"Tyler is a player that the organization has been excited about for a long time," said New York Red Bulls II head coach John Wolyniec. "He is a very talented player, and our academy staff has done an excellent job helping him develop all facets of his game. We look forward to the opportunity to continue his growth in the highly competitive USL environment."
The defender has a five-star rating from Top Drawer Soccer. He is ranked third overall, and second by position, in the IMG Academy Top 150 for his age group. He is the first player to graduate the Red Bulls RDS program and progress all the way through the academy system to a professional contract.
"I'd like to thank the Red Bulls for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” said Adams. “I can't thank Bob Montgomery and the academy staff enough for helping me grow as a player and reach this milestone. It's a dream come true and is very special to share this day with my family who have always supported me both on and off the field. I look forward to putting in the hard work and can't wait to get started."
Adams will join Wolyniec’s side in training camp ahead of the inaugural New York Red Bulls II game at Red Bull Arena on Saturday, March 28.
Tyler Adams
- Position: Defender
- DOB: February 14, 1999
- Height: 5-9
- Weight: 150
- Hometown: Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
