Red Bulls Player Helps TOPSoccer

The TOPSoccer program had a professional feel about it Saturday.

That’s because young athletes playing in the program received a visit from former New York Red Bull John Wolyniec. Wolyniec and a few Red Bulls trainers helped the special needs athletes improve their game while making sure that everyone left with a smile on their face.

“I’m extra grateful for anything physical, he’s not very physical and getting him up and moving is a challenge sometimes, and I really think it helps build their self-esteem,” said Christian Pflaumer, whose 10-year-old
son, Ian, has been attending the program all season.

TOPSoccer (The outreach Program for Soccer) is hosted by EBSC every Saturday morning at the level playing field at Heavenly Farms. In addition
to the program participants, club officials, coaches, parents and, most
important, more than 30 "Buddy" coaches from East Brunswick High
School and area colleges have lent a hand--and a foot--each week to get those with special needs some much needed exercise as well as a great time on the field. The weekly one-hour session consists of stretching and ball work, fun games and skill development and then full-field games to close each weekly session.

“I think those kids are also getting something out of it,” said Pflaumer about the volunteers. “The whole concept is just really fantastic.”

EBSC President Jim Harmon said this is just one terrific example of the club’s partnership with the New York Red Bulls, which also provides training to the club's recreation teams.

“I think that our partnership with the Red Bulls is very important for the club,” said East Brunswick Soccer Club President James Harmon. “It adds an extra layer of excitement for the players, and the parents appreciate the extra trainer. The fact that he is staying to sign autographs for recreation and travel players is exciting.”

Wolyniec ended his 12 year career in Major League Soccer in July 2010 and began working with Red Bull Academy part time in August of that year. He came on full time in January 2011 as an assistant coach focusing mainly as an individual technical coach.  He played for the New York Red Bulls from 2006 to 2010.

More information on EBSC's TOPSoccer program is available from Jen Harmon, the program coordinator. She can be reached at jenjenharmon@hotmail.com.