The fifth annual Youth Fantasy Camp will return to Giants Stadium July 7-11 and will run from 2pm to 5pm daily. The Youth Fantasy Camp has seen significant growth since it's inception in 2003, with increases in enrollment each year. The 2008 version should see more of the same and is certain to fill up quickly! The Youth Fantasy Camp attracts boys and girls from all over the Tri-state area who want to experience firsthand what it is like to play soccer for a professional soccer team.
The camp itinerary will provide five two-hour practice sessions during the week on the field at Giants Stadium and in the Giants Stadium practice bubble as well as the Red Bulls training facility in Montclair, NJ. The sessions will cover individual possession (dribbling and ball control), passing (possession and penetration), attacking skills (including the final 1/3, crossing, and finishing), and goalkeeping and defending skills (including pressure, cover, and balance). On the final day, the camp is capped off with a tournament between the campers to showcase what they have learned during their week of training. This tournament will be held off-site with specific details to follow.
The Youth Fantasy Camp is designed to suit players of all skill levels. Four of the players who attended the 2007 Youth Fantasy camp were hand selected by coaches of the New York Red Bulls Regional Development School to participate in Select Level tournaments throughout the winter.
"The Red Bulls Youth Fantasy Camp is a great way for young players to advance their development while working in the same environment as our professional staff and players. This is a great opportunity for the passionate player looking to enrich their learning and enjoy the game," said Bob Montgomery, the Red Bull New York Director of Youth Programs.
Limited to the first 80 paid registrations, each child will receive their own personalized adidas uniform, locker, and soccer ball. There will be special guest appearances from Red Bull New York players and staff, as well as members of the media as a part of this great week of activities. The campers will truly be able to experience the life of a professional soccer player, both on and off the field.
The 2008 Fantasy Camp experience will conclude with a reunion at Giants Stadium at a Red Bulls game in the fall, where the players will be honored in an on-field ceremony. If you would like to learn more about the 2008 Red Bulls Youth Fantasy Camp, please contact Brian Coleman at Brian.Coleman@newyorkredbulls.com or 201-583-7032, or at www.sportssignup.com/redbulls28.start.
The total cost of the camp is $475. The camp is for children age 7-15.
Feedback from players and parents who attended the 2007 camp:
"After speaking at the Red Bulls Youth Fantasy Camp over the past few years, I can safely say that it is one of the coolest experiences a young soccer fan could have. From the professional set-up in their locker room, to the coaching at the world famous Giants Stadium, to meeting Red Bulls players, this is the perfect program for anyone who loves soccer. I just wish I had the same opportunity when I was younger!"
-- Seth Stammler, midfielder
"Having three boys and finding a camp that meets all ages is nearly impossible. John, Jake, and Andrew have had the best experiences of their lives over the past several summers at the Red Bull Youth Fantasy Camp, and look forward to this summer. They have learned many skills that they have brought to the playing field. The extra highlights of meeting players, getting their autographs, and watching the skills of the trainers was more than any child or parent could dream of."
- parent Maria Gisondi of Harrison, NY
