Red Bulls Urban program to team up with Reyna Foundation

The newly formed Red Bulls Urban Soccer program is partnering with the Claudio Reyna Foundation to run a soccer program at three North Star Academy school locations, the MLS club announced Tuesday.

“We are looking forward to our partnership with the Claudio Reyna Foundation and the opportunity to provide a professional training program to the kids within the Newark area,” Red Bulls director of training programs Dave Jervis said in a statement. “With Red Bull Arena, our new home, just around the corner, it’s important that we continue to work to become part of the local grassroots soccer community.”

The team's Urban Soccer Program is designed as a community outreach program that offers children from all backgrounds the opportunity to participate in professionally structured soccer clinics.

“North Star Academy is so delighted to have the opportunity to work with the New York Red Bulls and the Claudio Reyna Foundation,” North Star physical education teacher Chris Condron said in a statement. “The time and effort they have provided to the inner-city child is second to none. The importance of health and fitness, wrapped around life skills the students can carry into their personal life is incredible. We look forward in being involved with the Red Bull Urban Soccer program for a long time to come.”

The program will meet once a week for seven weeks through the fall season. Red Bulls training program coaches will attend to teach soccer skills to the participants. Reyna, a former Red Bulls captain (2007-2008), and Red Bulls players will visit each location to meet and work with the participants.

“We (CRF) are proud to partner with the New York Red Bulls to bring soccer to urban areas in and around Newark,” Reyna said.