New York Red Bulls named #1 on THESOCCERLIST’s Best Clubs/Academies for Boys.

Our interview with Bob Montgomery

New York Red Bulls is named #1 on THESOCCERLIST’s Best Clubs/Academies for Boys. We discussed the club’s success with Director of Youth Programs, Bob Montgomery.

1. RBNY has a proven track record for success. How do you do it?

BM: We have a fabulous ownership group that’s very supportive of our players. We have the most diverse and talented players in the country. We have a highly talented and experienced coaching staff. We have great parents and community support. All of this combined, has contributed to our success.

2. But how do you differentiate yourself in this highly competitive youth sport?

BM: We are proud that the Red Bulls have produced more US Youth National team players than any other academy. We were the first cost free academy in the country and we are fully funded and supported by the organization. Other clubs followed our model. We also provide excellent training at our facility in New Jersey. Our academy players also have access to our MLS team and coaching staff. There is an investment at all levels of the organization. Our management is unparalleled. Our future is bright.

3. Given your track record with successful US Youth team players. What is your philosophy on player development?

BM: In order to be leaders, we must have a big emphasis on the development of the individual. Our coaches must be teachers. We want to develop good athletes, but also good people. Success requires both. This message is core to our entire organization and it comes from all levels of the organization.

1. What challenges do you see facing Red Bulls?

BM: We can’t be comfortable resting on the top. We have to constantly refocus and reenergize our organization. With the emergence of new clubs in our region, we are seeing increased competition for top talent. We will have to remain competitive and continue our focus on developing top players to maintain our success.

2. There is an increased focus and support of the sport in the US. Despite the good news, what challenges do you see facing the sport?

BM: With the great success we are experiencing in the sport, top players are receiving plenty of well-deserved attention. However, International clubs are also taking note. They are coming to the US and attracting our top talent. We often invest a lot in the development of players, we have to find ways of keeping them in the US and developing their careers in the MLS, rather than losing them to clubs outside the US.

3. One of the things that we evaluate in looking at top clubs is community engagement. How does RBNY partner with its community?

BM: Part of developing good players is developing good people. We want to give back to the community that supports us. Red Bulls is fortunate to be in a very diverse region of the country. We have worked with our community in many ways from volunteer efforts to camps. Some of our volunteer work has been in the area of autism awareness, breast cancer support and support of the homeless.

Bob Montgomery is the Director of Youth Programs at New York Red Bulls. He joined the club in 2007. He oversees the Red Bulls Player Development System, including RBNY’s Academy and Grassroots Training Program.

~ Charlotte Pasqual, Senior Writer