From New York Red Bulls Training Programs, all the way to the U.S. Men’s National Team, 18-year-old Tyler Adams’ development reached new heights in 2017.
The Wappingers Falls, N.Y., native who began in Red Bulls Training Programs, progressing through the Regional Development School, Academy, New York Red Bulls II and into the First Team, received his first senior team call up on November 7.
On the Red Bulls’ End-of-Year Media Day, head coach Jesse Marsch reflected on the first time he saw Adams play with the youth national team in 2015.
“Denis [Hamlett] and I…one of the first days we were on the job, we were in preseason camp and we went down to Bradenton, Florida, to watch the [U.S.] U-17’s play and Tyler was the youngest player in that group,” Marsch said. “Right away we both lit up because we could see all of his qualities.
“You’re always trying to create a development path for the team and for each individual player that’s going to allow them to flourish at the best of their ability.”
Adams enjoyed a thoroughly successful season in MLS, playing 24 games, including 22 starts, and earning two goals and four assists on the year.
The Homegrown Player was also named to MLS’ 24 Under 24 list, All-Star ballot, and an MLS Team of the Week starter twice.
According to Marsch, Adams developed so quickly that the coaching staff’s goal was to present him as many opportunities to grow as possible.
“It’s really incredible…to see him go from day one this year to then play the way he played in the playoffs and then play the way he did at the end of the year and ultimately lead to him get called into the national team,” Marsch said. “The biggest challenge with Tyler has been trying to figure out are we too cautious with his development.”
Not only has Adams focused on developing on the pitch, but off it as well.
“Not everybody knows this, but he’s taking classes through Southern New Hampshire University and so he’s continued to committing to educate himself and grow as a person as much as he has as a player,” Marsch said.
For the Red Bulls, Adams’ growth as a player, moving up through the development pyramid, is the development model for the club, something the Red Bulls are committed for the long term.
“I think it’s really an incredible model for what this sport needs to be in this country,” Marsch said. “Every club says they believe in young players, but not all of them truly invest in them the right ways, the way that we do.
“It’s our philosophy. We have an identity and everybody’s truly committed to it.”
