The New York Red Bulls proudly announce that the Vikings Football Club has become the next "Student of the Game" partner for the 2008 season.
"We are proud to announce that the Vikings Football Club 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 Vikings FC and providing them top notch resources to supplement their club's programs."
"The Student of the Game program allowed for excellent club building opportunities. We had the night at the Red Bull game and a "fun night" at our school with Jeff Parke and the Street Team there to spend time with our players. In addition, we had Simon Nee come from the Red Bull Academy to work with our coaches. I would say this is a pretty generous program," said Chris Eftychiou, Secretary for Vikings FC.
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'.
Eftychiou said, "The Vikings are going to participate again this coming year because the Red Bulls provide so many great things through this program. I don't really know how any club passes this up."
Through this partnership, a member of the Red Bulls coaching staff will travel to the team's training field 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 Vikings FC will be able to develop personal relationships with Red Bulls players through player appearances at their respective home fields.
For more information on the Student of the Game program, please contact the New York Red Bulls at 1-877-RBSOCCER.
