HARRISON, N.J. – Red Bulls announced Wednesday their continuation of their partnership with New Jersey Youth Soccer as an exclusive youth soccer partner.

“We have enjoyed an excellent relationship with NJYS over the past five years,” Red Bulls training programs senior director Dave Jervis said. “Collectively our programs have helped develop and inspire many young players. Moving forward, we are excited about our expanded involvement in the girls Young Olympians Program and the link to our girls pre-academy program.”

The partnership will continue to support the development of Youth Soccer in New Jersey with specific focus on the Young Olympian Programs.

Through this program, Red Bulls youth coaches will be involved in the boys and girls Young Olympians program (birth years 2008 and 2009), creating a direct pathway for players to progress into the Red Bulls Regional Development School Program and Academy teams, a nationally ranked developmental program.

“The Red Bulls have eagerly supported our wide range of programming, including ODP, State Cups, Recreation and TOPSoccer,” NJYS executive director Evan Dabby said. “We are excited about their desire to expand into additional areas, such as the girls Young Olympians Program.”

The Young Olympians program provides participants with access to training sessions, camps and an the end of the season festival with players from throughout the state.

At the conclusion of the program, select players from the 2008 program will be invited to play in a friendly competition at the Red Bulls Training Facility in Hanover, N.J. against other select program teams.

In addition, the relationship will continue to focus on community outreach initiatives. Both parties will collaborate with the TOPSoccer program, a program designed to allow any child the opportunity to learn and play soccer, specifically those who have special needs. Each season a NJYS member club is selected to have Red Bulls coaches work with their TOPSoccer program.

NJYS members will also receive access to unique group outings at Red Bull Arena to experience a live match and enjoy Red Bull Arena’s special matchday atmosphere.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.