Red Bulls soccer players Brandon Barklage, Bill Gaudette, and Markus Holgersson came to Jersey City’s Newport Green last week to host a family-oriented soccer clinic for budding soccer enthusiasts – and everybody else who likes kicking a ball.
The players held demos for the youngsters on how to play offense, defense, and protect your goal.
Theoretically, the free clinic was open to youngsters ages seven and older, but accommodated several little players on the field who were clearly flouting the rules.
The Red Bulls, whose home stadium is in Harrison, host and sponsor several training programs throughout Hudson County that are designed to improve players’ skills at every age, regardless of whether they are playing just for fun or are considering a future in Major League Soccer.
According to the team’s web site, the team’s “Player Development System” is a multi-layered program that provides professional support at all levels of the game.
Each level of the player development pyramid has been structured to provide extensive support to players, coaches, and youth soccer organizations. Within the local community, programs are offered for players of all ages and abilities. For players with outstanding ability, there is an opportunity to progress to the [Red Bulls Academy] and, ultimately to the Red Bulls First Team.
In other words, the team is committed to growing some of its future players right in its own back yard. So, remember the names of the little ball kickers at Newport Green. They could well be tomorrow’s stars.
E-mail E. Assata Wright at awright@hudsonreporter.com.