SECAUCUS, N.J. - The New York Red Bulls proudly announced that Ramapo Valley Soccer Club has become a "Student of the Game" partner for the 2007 season.
"The Red Bulls are excited to have Ramapo Valley SC join the Student of the Game Program for 2007. Ramapo Valley and the Red Bulls have built a good relationship over the past few years through multiple programs, and we'll look to continue this moving forward this season and beyond," said Red Bulls Director of Sales and Fan Services Richard Searls. "In the coming days we will be announcing more Student of the Game partners; however due to the high volume of deliverables included in this program, we are limiting the number of Student of the Game Partners to just twenty, and we are very close to this limit."
John Martin, Program Director for Ramapo Valley SC said, "The Ramapo Valley Soccer Club has really grown its relationship with the New York Red Bulls over the last year. From participating in the Fall & Spring Regional Development School, to utilizing your team-based training offerings, to joining in all the pre-game activities in the "Fun Zone", to our newest venture - hosting the MLS Red Bulls Dribble-Pass-Score competition at our state-of-the-art soccer facilities - everything has been great. And of course [we enjoy] attending seasonal Red Bull games where we have our annual club outing & tailgate party."
The Student of the Game program is designed to provide youth soccer clubs in the tri-state area with a series of educational, motivational and inspirational benefits to assist players and also coaches and parents. The recruitment and retention of parent volunteers remains a challenge for most youth soccer organizations.
The "Student of the Game" program provides clubs with various tools aimed at assisting in this area. One aspect of the program is a special Club Outing at Giants Stadium for a Red Bulls home game. The purpose of this outing is to give youth players the opportunity to watch a game live, learn from professionals and provide parents an opportunity to meet each other in a social setting. The "Club Night Out" is the ultimate team-building event.
"It's tough to pick one aspect of the Student of the Game programs since it offers so many excellent benefits to our players and coaches," Martin said. "I think the on-site Coaches Clinic will be a huge hit with our recreational and travel coaches, along with getting field time for our players. Of course, tickets to the games are always great too!"
Through this partnership, a member of the Red Bulls coaching staff will travel to Ramapo Valley SC's fields to lead the club's coaches through a clinic and give them tips on game strategy and team tactics. The Red Bulls will assist soccer clubs 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 the Ramapo Valley Soccer Club will be able to develop personal relationships with Red Bulls players through player appearances at their respective home fields.
Martin added, "There is a saying about the game of soccer that "the game teaches the game" and I think the more our young players watch live games the more they will learn and develop as players. Watching a live match is a great teaching tool for coaches because it offers opportunities to highlight important skills for the players. Plus, the stadium atmosphere of a live match is a terrific and memorable experience for the players, coaches, families and friends who attend!"
For more information on the Student of the Game program, please contact the New York Red Bulls at 1-877-RBSOCCER.
