HARRISON, N.J. (September 12, 2023) – Red Bulls Academy have announced their staff and competition schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 academy season. With the 2023-24 MLS NEXT schedule being released, the New York Red Bulls Academy will be looking to continue its recent run of success headed into the upcoming season.
Red Bulls Academy will be fielding five squads this season, with U13, U14, U15, and U17 sides competing in MLS NEXT. The U12 side will be playing in the APL ACELA League and EDP North Atlantic. The organization will also be continuing its Individual Development Program (IDP) that was launched in February of 2022 to maximize both training and academic support.
In addition to MLS NEXT play, the U15 and U17 teams will be participating in MLS NEXT Fest starting on December 5th of 2023.
Both new and familiar faces will be leading the boys on every level this year, here is how the Red Bulls Academy technical team structure will look for 2023-24:
The U12 group will be led by Colby Cunha as Head Coach alongside Justin DuQue and U.S. soccer legend Manny Schellscheidt. Cunha and DuQue have extended experience in player development, as both graduated from the Red Bulls Youth Programs and Pre-Academy system.
Juan BijKebbe will be leading the U13s for his first full season in MLS NEXT as Head Coach, and he already has some hardware after joining in early May of this year from Academy Affiliate BW Gottschee. BijKebbe was a part of the staff that went to Belgium and helped lift the 2023 Bassevelde Cup this past June. Bijkebbe has also coached within the Red Bulls Youth Programs system.
Recently appointed Head Coach London Woodberry will be at the helm for the U14s in 2023-24, and he will be bringing his experience as both a player and a coach with him. Woodberry played for New England Revolution for three seasons and featured in multiple USL sides during his playing career. The Texas native most recently was a part of the U15 coaching staff at Austin FC Academy that won the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup.
Simon Nee will be returning to lead the U15s yet again this season after another fantastic year. Nee capped off the U15 season by climbing the mountain and becoming MLS NEXT Cup champions after a tremendous run in the tournament this past June. The Stoke-on-Trent, England, native has been with the Red Bulls organization since 2006 and has coached every age group from U13 to U23 in addition to being a graduate from the Red Bulls Youth Programs coaching system.
Another familiar face will be leading the U17s this upcoming season, former U14 and U12 head coach Chris Harmon. Harmon will be entering his third full season with Red Bulls and will be extending his already lengthy coaching experience. The Pennsylvania native has coached collegiate soccer at both Florida Southern college and Old Dominion, his alma mater.
The Head Coaches are closely supported by Cole Carter and Miguel Gutierrez, who together align with our Pre-Academy and New York Red Bulls II teams in nurturing the next generation of talented young goalkeepers.
The Individual Development Program (IDP) will be coached and managed by Jonathan Rhodes who was recently moved into a new and expanded role as the Head of Player Development and Pro Pathway.
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Academy Structure:
Academy Director
- Sean McCafferty
Academy Senior Manager
- Ryan Brooks
Head of Player Development & Pro Pathway
- Jonathan Rhodes
MLS Next Pro Pathway Age Groups
- U17 Academy Head Coach: Chris Harmon
- U15 Academy Head Coach: Simon Nee
- U15-U17 Academy Goalkeeper Coach: Miguel Gutierrez
- U15-U17 Academy Sports Performance Coach: Jose Puga
- U15-U17 Academy Analyst: Mack Lundberg
- U15-U17 Athletic Trainer: Sebastian Neira
- Academy PT: Andy Seraphin
MLS Next Development Phase Age Groups
- U14 Academy Head Coach: London Woodberry
- U13 Academy Head Coach: Juan BijKebbe
- U12 Academy Coaching Staff: Colby Cunha, Justin DuQue, Gareth Tyack & Manny Schellscheidt
- U12-U14 Goalkeeper Coach: Cole Carter
- U12-U14 Athletic Trainer: Jamie Goodwin
Academy Scouting
- Head of Academy Scouting: Tiger Fitzpatrick
- Academy Scout: Kelvin Kote
Academy Administration & Operations
- Academy Administrator: Matt Zamorski
- Academy Manager: Grant Findlay
