SECAUCUS, NJ (Friday, September 21, 2007) - Drawing from the success of last year's inaugural event, Red Bull New York, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Telemundo 47 will be hosting a clinic for over 100 juvenile residents at the Horizon Juvenile Center (560 Brook Ave., Bronx, NY) on Thursday, September 27 at 2:30 PM.
The clinic will feature some of the most recognizable faces of American soccer including former U.S. Men's National Team captain Claudio Reyna, 17-year-old forward Jozy Altidore and Red Bulls assistant coach and former U.S. MNT standout John Harkes. Along with Red Bulls Assistant Equipment Manager Fernando Ruiz, the group will instruct the residents on the sport of soccer, leading a number of drills, games and lessons. Renowned television reporter Veronica Contreras of Telemundo 47 will be conducting a clinic for female residents. In addition, there will be a performance from the Red Bulls Street Team.
"We are excited to again bring our players and coaches to Horizon," said Red Bull Managing Director New York Marc de Grandpre. "Learning and participating in the game of soccer can have a positive and long-lasting impact on their lives. The entire Red Bulls organization is honored to be a part of the Department of Juvenile Justice's efforts."
The project is designed to provide a unique athletic experience for underprivileged and behaviorally challenged juveniles, and empower them to make more positive life choices.
"This is the third clinic in a year that Red Bull New York has provided the City's detained youth, which illustrates their exceptional commitment as a corporate community partner," said DJJ Commissioner Neil Hernandez. "On behalf of the entire Department of Juvenile Justice, I thank Marc de Grandpre and Ernesto Motta for inspiring these youth at a crossroads in their tender lives. DJJ also appreciates the efforts of Veronica Contreras and Telemundo for promoting awareness about today's very special event."
"Our youth are continuously being attacked with negative temptations that mislead them towards the wrong path. They are in desperate need of positive role models that can show them a different road to take in life. The Red Bulls soccer clinic offers that unique opportunity by speaking to young people through the universal language of soccer," said Telemundo 47 Director of News Hugo Balta. "It's not just about playing a sport; it's about communication, hard work, working as a team and perseverance (to name a few lessons learned). Telemundo 47 is proud to join the Red Bulls in their efforts to make a difference in our community; commitments like these leave an invaluable impression on youth that make a difference in not only their future, but all of us as well."
The Department of Juvenile Justice was created in 1979 to provide care and custody to juveniles involved in the criminal justice system. Each year, the Department provides secure and non-secure detention services to nearly 5,900 youth whose cases await adjudication in New York City Family and Criminal Courts. For more information about the New York Red Bulls, visit www.nyredbulls.com. For additional information about the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice, visit www.nyc.gov/html/djj/home.html.
