HARRISON, N.J. (May 19, 2014) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they will be adding an Under-12 Red Bulls Academy team to their current six-team academy for the upcoming 2014-15 season.

The team will be holding tryouts for interested parties (U-12 players are born after Jan. 1, 2002) should log onto www.redbullsacademy.com for more information.

“The introduction of the Under-12 team will create a better link between Red Bulls grassroots training programs and the elite youth teams of our academy,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “In line with top-level player development, the Under-12s will play in 8 v 8 matches, which encourage more touches of the ball and simplify soccer’s basic principles.”

“We believe that this is an excellent opportunity to extend our reach and develop players at a younger age,” said Red Bulls Director of Youth Programs Bob Montgomery. “Adding an Under-12 squad is another step in strengthening our academy and we look forward to tracking its progress.”

The Red Bull Academy is a cost-free program designed to bring in and coach the elite players of the tri-state area. Each academy player is fully funded by the New York Red Bulls including: all coaching fees, travel expenses, accommodations, food, and occasional international trips. Players train a minimum of three times per week and play a maximum of two games under the supervision of the Red Bulls Academy coaching staff.

The #1 ranked Youth Development Academy teams participate in the U.S. Development Academy and the North East Premier Academy League. Eight homegrown players have graduated from Red Bulls Academy to play for the New York Red Bulls First Team.