The New York Red Bulls proudly announced that the Hanover Soccer Club has become a "Student of the Game" partner for the 2008 season.
"We are proud to announce that Hanover SC has become a 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 Hanover SC and providing them top notch resources to supplement their club's programs."
"With the Red Bulls building their practice facility in our town, we want to forge a strong relationship with the organization," said Hanover SC President Jim Herbert. "We feel showing our support for the team by attending games is important. We want our kids to look at the Red Bulls as their team."
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 Red Bulls have been top notch in everything we have seen," Herbert said. "Their commitment to making sure the kids enjoy the soccer experience is evident. Any time I have asked for help in getting our kids anything, the Red Bulls have been there."
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 pre-game and halftime locker room 'Chalk Talk'.
Through this partnership, a member of the Red Bulls coaching staff will travel to the team's training field 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 Hanover SC will be able to develop personal relationships with Red Bulls players through player appearances at their respective home fields.
"We had John Wolyniec at one of our fields and made an event of it. John was terrific with the kids and we also had the Street Team there so everyone had something to do. We had over 150 kids plus parents there so that was definitely the highlight," Herbert said.
For more information on the Student of the Game program, please contact the New York Red Bulls at 1-877-RBSOCCER.
