The New York Red Bulls proudly announced Chappaqua AYSO has become the second "Student of the Game" partner for the 2008 season.
"We are proud to announce that Chappaqua AYSO has become our second Student of the Game partner for 2008," said Red Bulls Director of Sales and Fan Services Rich Searls. "For the past several years, the Student of the Game program has been one of our most successful initiatives. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Chappaqua AYSO and providing them top notch resources to supplement their club's programs."
"Chappaqua AYSO's mission is to develop kids through the game of soccer," said Chappaqua AYSO board member Rick Oseroff. "The SOG program accomplishes this through positive role modeling, good sportsmanship, and a great family experience. There are many reasons why it is important for kids to see live professional soccer matches: For our younger players, it is the entire stadium experience; the excitement and scale of the event. At this level, players will start to identify with the players as fans and as players themselves. Our older players will notice skills, more subtleties of the game and some will model their game and emulate their favorite players. Lastly, our AYSO parents, guardians and coaches will join the children at games. This reinforces the entire experience both as a game to enjoy and as a social event."
The Student of the Game program, which is limited to just the first 25 clubs to be accepted, is designed to provide players, coaches and parents of youth soccer clubs in the tri-state area with a variety of resources that will help them learn, play, and teach the game. This program is dedicated to the development of the youth club on every level - from recreation to travel.
The recruitment and retention of volunteers remains a challenge for most youth soccer organizations, and the Student of the Game program provides clubs with various tools aimed at assisting in this area. 'Club Nights' at a Red Bulls match are one aspect of the program that gives youth players from each club the opportunity to watch a game live and learn from the professionals, while also providing parents an opportunity to meet each other in a social setting. These 'Club Nights' also provide chances to interact with Red Bulls players and coaches in person through exclusive on-field opportunities and a pregame and halftime locker room 'Chalk Talk'.
"The Red Bulls organization was very accommodating when the Chappaqua AYSO hosted its 2007 game event," Oseroff said. "This success led to our interest to join the Red Bulls SOG program."
Through this partnership, a member of the Red Bulls coaching staff will travel to Chappaqua to lead the club's coaches through a clinic and give them tips on game strategy and team tactics. The Red Bulls will assist the club with their fundraising efforts throughout the season and organize sportsmanship clinics designed by specialists to help create players who are successful both on and off the field.
Additionally, players, coaches and parents from Chappaqua AYSO will be able to develop personal relationships with Red Bulls players through player appearances at their respective home fields.
For more information on the Student of the Game program, please contact the New York Red Bulls at 1-877-RBSOCCER.
