HARRISON, NJ (June 15, 2023) – The New York Red Bulls have been named the recipient of the first-ever Kevin Payne Community Impact Award from the U.S. Soccer Foundation. Named to honor the late Kevin Payne, a member of the U.S. Soccer Foundation for over 25 years and an MLS pioneer, the award is presented to a professional team with a track record that exemplifies what it means to leverage soccer to engage the youth and strengthen under-resourced communities.
“Our club is extremely honored to be the recipient of this very meaningful award,” said Marc de Grandpré, General Manager, New York Red Bulls. “Kevin Payne set a standard of excellence on-and-off the pitch that remains a gold standard for all clubs in MLS to follow. We will continue to honor his legacy while staying committed to serve our under-resourced communities in order to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children through the game of soccer.”
The Red Bulls have been a long-time partner of the U.S. Soccer Foundation investing in mini-pitches and evidence-based programs in underserved communities. To date, the club has helped build and program 25 mini-pitches reaching thousands of children across New York and New Jersey with safe, purpose-driven soccer-based programming. Additionally, the Red Bulls were integral in the installation and opening of the first Black Players for Change mini-pitch at West Side High School in Newark, NJ.
Pictured, from left to right: Tonilynn Taranto (Red Bulls), Joe Stetson (Red Bulls), Pamela Payne (wife of Kevin Payne) and Ed Foster-Simeon (U.S. Soccer Foundation)
