HARRISON, N.J. (March 30, 2023) ― New Jersey Youth Soccer announced today that it has officially renewed its partnership with the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer. The partnership will continue a dedicated focus on the development of youth soccer in New Jersey, and the two groups will also work together on a variety of community initiatives.
“The Red Bulls have eagerly supported our wide range of programming, including ODP, State Cups, Recreation and TOPSoccer,” said Evan Dabby, NJYS Executive Director. “We are excited about their desire to expand into additional areas as we collaborate to reach and support programming in urban areas.”
An element of the partnership is the New York Red Bulls Urban Soccer Program, which is an outreach initiative that serves urban communities in the tri-state area. Utilizing the Red Bulls’ extensive resources and player development expertise, the goal is to provide programs that help engage children in physical activity and use soccer as a vehicle to teach life skills, encourage the values of teamwork and promote discipline, confidence and self-esteem. NJ Youth Soccer and the Red Bulls look to bring the Urban Soccer Program to communities in 2023.
The NJYS Young Olympians Program will also continue to be a focus of the partnership. Designed specifically for players born in 2012 and 2013, Young Olympians is an introductory stage for those who aspire to play at a high level and provides a pathway to New Jersey ODP. Training sessions aim to improve a player's technical ability and tactical awareness while providing an introduction to the ODP environment.
“We are excited to continue our strong partnership with NJYS who have been one of our key strategic player development partners,” said David Jervis, Red Bulls Sr. Director of Youth Programs & Academy Business Operations. “Through our relationship with NJYS we are able to offer thousands of players, coaches and families with an opportunity to participate in Red Bulls Youth Programming and attend matches at Red Bull Arena.
Additionally, the partnership with the Red Bulls will maintain a mutual focus on community outreach initiatives. Both groups will continue to collaborate with TOPSoccer, a community-based training and team placement program for young players with disabilities. Through the relationship, an NJYS member club is selected each season to have Red Bulls coaches work with their TOPSoccer program.
Another aspect of this relationship is the NJYS Goal of the Year Powered by the New York Red Bulls, which is an annual award that is presented by NJ Youth Soccer in collaboration with the Red Bulls. First launched in 2021, finalists and winners of the awards are celebrated at the NJYS Annual Awards Dinner Presented by RWJBarnabas Health as well as a Red Bulls home where the goal is shown on the video board.
To find out more about New Jersey Youth Soccer or to contact us directly, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
About NJ Youth Soccer Association
New Jersey Youth Soccer, a 501(c) (3) organization affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation, is comprised of more than 100,000 players from 5 to 19-years-old; 20,000+ coaches; and thousands of volunteers. Members collectively support the sport of soccer through training, practice, competition and the spirit of good sportsmanship. The association features recreational, travel soccer programs at multiple skill levels; Olympic Development Programs (ODP); tournaments including the National Championship series; coach and referee training and certification programs; and TOPSoccer, a program for children with special needs.
About the New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls are one of 29 teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). RBNY, one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, have competed in the league since its founding in 1996. The Red Bulls play home matches at Red Bull Arena (RBA) in Harrison, New Jersey. The three-time MLS Supporters' Shield Winners are owned by the Austrian beverage company Red Bull for which the team is named. The New York Red Bulls offer one of the nation's premier youth soccer development programs, from local soccer partnerships across New York and New Jersey to Regional Development Schools and the Red Bulls Academy teams.
