As we look ahead to the Spring 2025 season, Head coach Justin DuQue is excited to step into the role of head coach for this talented and energetic group of players. While he wasn’t with the team during the fall season, he had the opportunity to observe them from a far and already know many of them well, including a core group that comes from our Pre-Academy. Now, He is looking forward to working closely with the entire team as they continue their academy journey with the New York Red Bulls.
This team is full of potential, and their passion, enthusiasm, and hunger to learn make them a truly remarkable group. This season marks a pivotal phase in their development as we prepare them for the transition from 9v9 to the full-sided 11v11 game in the fall. At the U12 level, we are in the initial developmental phase—the first stage of the academy pathway—where the focus is on mastering the basics, building a strong understanding of the game, and most importantly, ensuring they continue to love the game and enjoy every day. After all, that love and passion are the keys to longevity as these boys chase their dreams and strive to reach their full potential.
What makes this age group so special is that it’s the beginning of their journey toward potentially becoming professionals. It’s incredible to think that recent first-team signings like Adri Mehmeti and Julian Hall stood in the same shoes as these boys not too long ago—playing with that same innocent love for the game and working tirelessly to fulfill their dreams of becoming pros. For us as a staff, it’s exciting to look at this group and ask: Who will be the next Adri or Julian?
That passion is what will drive this group forward. They bring an incredible energy to every session, eager to play, compete, and improve. It’s their excitement and commitment that make working with this age group so rewarding. As their coach, my role is to guide and support them, but it’s ultimately up to them to create a culture where they can thrive and push each other to new heights.
Key areas of focus for the spring include:
- Technical Mastery: Enhancing ball control, passing accuracy, and execution under pressure.
- Tactical Awareness: Helping players read the game, make quick decisions, and understand their roles within the team structure.
- Team Cohesion: Building a culture of trust, communication, and collective effort that reflects our values at New York Red Bulls.
A central part of our approach will be empowering players to take greater ownership of their development. We want them to drive their own progress, push themselves to improve, and take responsibility for their growth. This player-driven mindset will help them build confidence and resilience as they tackle new challenges.
DuQue is honored to lead such a dedicated and talented group. Together, the group will embrace the challenges ahead, celebrate the small victories, and lay the foundation for their future success.
