The New York Red Bulls proudly announce that Yorktown Youth Soccer Club has become the third "Student of the Game" partner for the 2008 season.
"We are proud to announce that Yorktown Youth Soccer Club has become our third 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 Yorktown YSL and providing them top notch resources to supplement their club's programs."
"Our club was enamored with the people we met at the two games that we came to last year. Everyone was so informative and helpful," said Club President Rick Romanski. "We are looking forward to working with the Red Bulls in setting up a Yorktown Youth Soccer Club day at the stadium, and having eight teams play on the field for a half an hour each."
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'.
"Kids need to watch the game of soccer on television, but more importantly, in the flesh. Our kids do not watch or see in person enough soccer and therefore do not emulate what they see," Romanski said.
Through this partnership, a member of the Red Bulls coaching staff will travel to Yorktown 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 the Yorktown Soccer Club will be able to develop personal relationships with Red Bulls players through player appearances at their respective home fields.
"Being part of the game as a fan and viewer gives a different perspective to the game that can not be taught by coaches. The excitement of being at a game, especially when your team wins, adds another level of excitement that can reach the kids' inner soul, thus creating an inner desire to play more and yearn to get better," Romanski added.
For more information on the Student of the Game program, please contact the New York Red Bulls at 1-877-RBSOCCER.
