Featured Top Young Talent and Professional Player Appearances
NJ Youth Soccer celebrated its Young Olympians Festival with more than 300 premier U11 and U12 players. These specially-selected athletes had the unique opportunity to compete with top talent and further their soccer education with presentations by top professional soccer players and managers.
Representatives from Sky Blue FC, New York Red Bulls, the Jillian Loyden Foundation and the U.S. Soccer Federation educated players about the importance of individual practice, mental toughness, dealing with adversity, being confident and leading a life of strong character.
Jillian Loyden, former U.S. Women’s National Team, Sky Blue FC player and founder of the Jillian Loyden Foundation; Jim Gabarra, Sky Blue FC head coach and technical director; Ricky King, NY Red Bulls Academy coach education and recruitment manager; Nelson Rodriguez, U.S. Soccer managing director of National Team Advisory Services; Lo’eau LaBonta, Sky Blue FC forward; and Nikki Stanton, Sky Blue FC midfielder were all on hand to talk with participants and share their expertise.
“This event is a great opportunity to share a message about acknowledging every child’s self-worth, confidence, and the importance of leading a life with strong character and integrity,” said Loyden. “At the JL Foundation, we want young players to know their voices matter and can be used to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Athletes competed in multiple small-sided games with a focus on player development and identification for future opportunities representing New Jersey. From this event, select boy players will be chosen to play in a scrimmage against the New York Red Bulls Development School (RDS) and select girls will compete against the NJ Wildcats.
“Our Young Olympians Festival brings together talented 10- and 11-year-old players from around the Garden State. This player-centered competition is designed to provide a fun, positive and challenging day of soccer,” says Rick Meana, NJYS director of coaching.
