The New York Red Bulls proudly announce that the Soccer Club of Ridgefield has become a" Student of the Game" partner for the 2008 season.
"We are proud to announce that the Soccer Club of Ridgefield 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 SCOR and providing them top notch resources to supplement their club's programs."
"SCOR has been encouraging players and teams to attend professional soccer matches and the Red Bulls games in particular for quite some time. Last year we got into it in a much bigger way, participating in larger blocks of seats. There is no way to sum up the experience better than by the words of the folks who attended themselves," said SCOR VP Administrator Steve Carlson.
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'.
Carlson says, "It's a critical part of the training program to have the kids see what it is that they are striving for." As SCOR Coaching Director Phil Bergen explains, "Youth players can observe and experience the excitement, pace, technique and on and off ball decision making for themselves."
Through this partnership, a member of the Red Bulls coaching staff will travel to Ridgefield 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 SCOR will be able to develop personal relationships with Red Bulls players through player appearances at their respective home fields.
"First and foremost, we see the flexibility and opportunity to get kids to watch a high level of play in the MLS as the primary benefit of SOG. Second, the kids get really excited about some of the side opportunities like playing on the field, doing player tunnels and all the other fun activities. Finally, we see the "chalk talk" as a unique opportunity to provide some of our most active volunteer and professional coaches a chance to get behind the scenes and see what's going on in a game at this level." Carlson added.
For more information on the Student of the Game program, please contact the New York Red Bulls at 1-877-RBSOCCER.
