What is the Red Bulls Pre-Academy Teams Program?
The purpose of the New York Red Bulls Pre-Academy Teams is to identify and develop the elite level youth soccer players in the New York metro area and provide them with the best possible developmental experience. The Pre-Academy Teams will also bridge the gap between the regular supplemental RDS training and the New York Red Bulls Academy teams and provide the number one pathway into the full Academy teams.
For the 2023/24 season our Boys Pre-Academy Teams will operate in the 2013 (U11) and 2014 (U10) age groups.
What are the goals and objectives of the Pre-Academy Teams?
Short term:
- To develop confident, competent players with a reliable and diverse technical foundation and tactical understanding.
- To help players improve their physical attributes by utilizing our professional support network.
- To develop players character through emphasis on club values and identities.
Mid term:
- Graduate players on to the Red Bulls Academy.
Long term:
- Provide players with the best possible chance of reaching the Red Bulls First Team, following in the foot steps of RDS graduates Tyler Adams and Ben Mines and realize their dream of becoming a professional player.
Where will the teams be based?
The teams will all be regionally based, across three geographical areas. The lay out of the Red Bulls Pre-Academy Teams means that all elite youth soccer players in the metro area have an accessible option for high quality team training.
Region 1 - New Jersey North: Our New Jersey North team will service all players in Central/Northern New Jersey, as well as Westchester and NYC.
The regional training location for the New Jersey North team will be split between Torne Valley Soccer Complex in Ramapo, NY and Red Bulls Training Facility in Whippany, NJ.
Region 2 - New Jersey South: Our New Jersey South team will service all players in Central/Southern New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania.
The regional training sessions for the New Jersey South team will be split between Metuchen Sportsplex in Metuchen, NJ, and the Red Bulls Training Facility in Whippany, NJ.
Region 3 - New York: Our New York City team will service all players in NYC and Long Island.
The regional training sessions for the New York team will be split between Socceroof in Queens, NY and Globall Sports in Brooklyn, NY.
Players do not need to reside in the area of the team that they apply for, and may try-out in any region, as is most convenient.
How often will the teams train?
Each team will enjoy two regionally based sessions per week throughout the spring and fall season. All players will also have the option to partake in a third weekly session, hosted at the New York Red Bulls Training Facility in Hanover, NJ.
Our goal across the course of the year is to provide the players with a 4:1 training to game ratio.
Who will coach the teams?
All teams will be coached by one of our highly qualified and experienced professional Red Bulls coaches.
Where will the teams play their home games?
All Pre-Academy Teams will play their home games at the New York Red Bulls Training Facility in Hanover, NJ.
Which leagues and tournaments will the teams play in?
All Pre-Academy Teams will compete in the Eastern Development Program (EDP) during the spring and fall seasons.
All teams will participate in a minimum of four high level tournaments each year, included in the base registration fee. Teams will also have access to exclusive MLS events such as the Generation Adidas Cup, and the Toronto FC KIA Fall Invitational (additional fees may apply for out-of-state events).
How big will the rosters be?
Each team will carry a small roster of between 10 and 14 players, maximizing contact time between player and coach and allowing for ample playing time.
What is the Red Bulls' approach to dual carding?
Consistent with New York Red Bulls approach to developing youth talent, dual carding is permitted, providing a player’s primary commitment is to Red Bull New York.
How does the tryout process work?
ID events will take place in throughout March and April across four different regional locations.
Please note that players may attend any of the four regional tryout locations, and do not have to attend an ID event that is within the region that they are applying for.
Players who excel at the initial ID events will then be invited in for an extended training block as part of an invitation only group. These sessions will be used as a means of further assessment, with final decisions made on all players at the end of these sessions.
ID Event Schedule:
- Saturday, March 18th: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
- Tuesday, March 28th: Metuchen Sports plex, Metuchen, NJ
- Saturday, April 29th: Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ
- Sunday, April 30th: Red Bulls Training Facility, Whippany, NJ
Details of the additional sessions will be shared as and when players progress past the initial ID event stage.
All applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $30 try out fee to ensure only high level, committed players apply. Please note that there is no fee to participate in the invitation only training group for players who are selected.
Once registration is completed you will receive an automated email from our registration system as a receipt of your registration. All information in the automated email can be disregarded and a comprehensive confirmation email will be sent to you one week prior to your ID event.
What player development initiatives will the players be exposed to?
Pre-Season Orientation
Players, parents and families will be hosted at Red Bull Arena for their official welcome to the team as we go behind the scenes at our first team's home. Not only will this event act as signing day for the players, but will also lay the foundation for the season to come. Families will receive a detailed overview of the program and the development processes and how they can expect to be supported over the course of the year.
Pre-Season Training Camp
All teams will begin their seasons with a week long pre-season training camp.
For our U10's, pre-season training will take the shape of a locally based week-long camp.
For our U11's, pre-season camp will be a week-long residential camp. Set in the idyllic surrounds of Golden Goal Tournament Park in the Lake George region of upstate New York, this 200 acre purpose built sporting retreat will give the players the perfect opportunity to bond as a team and lay the foundations for a successful season to come. Players will enjoy access to the 8 professionally maintained fields, athlete's village and recreation center, woodland based challenge courses and multiple classroom spaces.
Please note, the cost of this training camp and transportation to and from the facility (if required) is not included in the seasonal registration fee.
Pre-Season Goal Setting
All players will participate in a detailed self-assessment at the beginning of the season, from which their individual development plans will be created.
Individual Development Plans
With guidance from the coaching staff, players will identify the areas that they would like to improve in, and develop a structured plan in order to achieve these goals.
Video Analysis
Video feedback will be provided throughout the season as a tool to help the players improve their technical and tactical skills. Team video meetings will also be held to address team shape and principles of play.
Winter Futbolinho Sessions
All players will enjoy 8 weeks of indoor Futbolinho sessions, Red Bulls version of futsal as well as two futsal tournaments.
Players also have the option to partake in additional RDS clinics during the spring and fall seasons at no additional cost.
Mid-Season Review Meetings
In person player/parent meetings will be held at the mid-point of the year with the team coach, giving all team members an open forum to discuss each player's progress.
Distance Learning Initiatives
As well as the numerous on field development opportunities that our players are exposed to, they also have access to a number of different distance learning tools. These tools include both live and pre-recorded virtual training sessions delivered via Zoom, interactive game analysis webinars, information and support in the areas of nutrition, mental skills and peak performance as well as virtual social events.
Professional Game Day Opportunities
Players will have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive experiences as player mascots, ball kids and flag bearers for professional MLS games at Red Bull Arena. These opportunities allow our young players to get a closer look at the professional game and build a deeper love and connection for the sport.
What is the cost of the program?
For our U11 age group, we are delighted to announce that for the 2023/24 season the registration fee to play for us will be 100% covered by the club. The only fees that our U11’s will pay will be to cover the cost of their uniform and training equipment.
For our U10’s, the cost of the program is $1600 per spring and fall season ($3200 for the full year).
What does the registration fee include?
- All player carding
- 12 weeks of practice sessions throughout the spring and fall seasons (up to 36 training sessions)
- 12 weeks of indoor winter training
- All referees fees
- Four annual tournaments (minimum)
- A comprehensive distance learning platform and schedule of events
- The program registration fee does not include player uniforms, or any international or long-distance special events, such as preseason training camp or MLS tournaments
Testimonials
My son's experience has been amazing! The coaching staff is wonderful and completely dedicated to the development of the boys with the perfect balance of encouragement and discipline. We can't say enough!
The Cali Family
The Red Bulls Pre-Academy program is setting a new national standard for comprehensive youth development - transforming players into leaders poised for lifelong success both on and off the field.
The Berkley Family
The Red Bulls Pre-Academy team experience is by far the most complete and professional experience in youth soccer in our area. The quality of everything, from coaching, facilities, uniforms, support both on and of the field, make for a professional experience that exceeds all expectations. I've been a part of a few high level programs, and no one comes close.
The Herbert Family
The Pre-Academy team has the perfect balance of training the individual player while still building a unique team environment . Weekly communication to players and parents was truly professional and the attention to every detail of the training program is truly amazing.
The Herndon Family