With the MLS season getting started, the New York Red Bulls held their 2011 Media Day yesterday afternoon at Red Bull Arena. The team announced the New York's Got Wings partnership with the NYC Parks & Recreation Department. For every goal scored by the team over the 2011 regular season, Red Bull will make a donation of $1,000 for equipment and clinics for NYC soccer summer camp programs. Additional contributions will be made to youth soccer programs across the five boroughs (determined by community vote), and adidas will be donating 1,000 soccer balls plus an additional ball for every RBNY jersey sold at their NYC store.
RBNY goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul spoke to us about some of the benefits of the program. "By kids looking at us as role models, we can tell them not to get involved in drugs, and come get involved in soccer, or come do something positive that's going to benefit their lives later." Individual Development Coach Mike Petke added, "With a company like Red Bull, with so much at their disposal, and to see how much they give away and how much they give away to the community, it's a phenomenal feeling."
Looking ahead to the season, Coach Hans Backe said that compared to last year, "I feel more confident when we go into the start now. So many players are aware of their roles in the team, the playing style, fitness wise. I also feel that mentally, they're so much more composed than compared to last year." Backe also warned about possible factors beyond his control regarding the results this season. "I think we're good enough [to win], but if you look at the schedule this year, it's a very tricky season, with the Gold Cup, the Copa America...already against Columbus, we may be without six starters. Then you go into the Gold Cup, we could be without five or six players for twelve games, and that's a third of the season."
The Red Bulls begin their campaign this Saturday night at Red Bull Arena against the Seattle Sounders.
