The Red Bull New York U-16 Academy Team will be taking part in the inaugural SUM U-17 Cup to be played in conjunction with the MLS All Star Game in Colorado from July 13 to 19.
This is the first year of the MLS Youth Academy Tournament. Each MLS team has an academy program in which the members are from the team's "home territory."
"I think our team has high expectations going into this tournament," Red Bulls U-16 head coach Stan Lembryk said. "They have to be high because we have been at the forefront of the MLS academies being together already for five years."
The tournament is comprised of the U-17 teams of all MLS Clubs, excluding Toronto FC and the New England Revolution, with two teams representing the Colorado Rapids. The tournament format will feature three groups of four with the group winners and the best second place team advancing to the semi-finals. The champion will not only take home the SUM U-17 Cup but will also earn the opportunity to participate in the 2008 Torneo Quixote in Spain.
The Red Bulls will face FC Dallas, the Kansas City Wizards and Chivas USA in the group stage. The tournament final is scheduled to be played on the Colorado Rapids' main field at Dick's Sporting Goods Park the morning of the 2007 Sierra Mist All-Star Game.
"I think this is a wonderful invention for the kids," Lembryk said. "I hope this inspires every kid to want to play in the MLS and attracts kids to come to the stadium and watch games."
