For the first time in U.S. soccer history, a newly formed Red Bull National League 17 will bring together the top Under-17 Men's teams from across the country to compete for one national title.  The top eight teams from the East and West regions will meet head-to-head during the year with four weekend-long tournaments.

The 2nd event for the East Region will be held in Atlanta. The event will be hosted by Atlanta Fire United and held Feb 17 - 19 at their home fields at Scott Hudgens Park. They are very excited to host the second event of of the East Region games at their fields. In addition to these games, they will be holding the same type of games for the U16 Girls games, which will hopefully transpire into a part of this league next year. They will also hold a camp of up to 12 teams that will will have training and instruction by actual College coches. This will help give them an idea and view of "life ahead:". Atlanta Fire United is extremely honored and exicited to host this exciting event at their home fields. They inivite the public and soccer community to come watch, participate, and enjoy the activities!!

"Red Bull National League 17 further demonstrates Red Bull's commitment to soccer in this country," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena.    "This will give young players the opportunity to compete against not just the best clubs in their region, but the best in the entire nation.  We are excited to be a part of a league that will showcase some of the top youth teams in the United States."

 

 

The Red Bull National League 17 will kick off its inaugural 2006/2007 season with 16 invited teams, eight from the East Region and eight from the West Region. These teams include:

 

West Region Arsenal FC Colorado Rush Crossfire Premier Dallas Texans Irvine Strikers Nomads Pateadores Solar

East Region Atlanta United CASL Elite Chicago Magic Sockers FC Chicago Concorde Fire FC DELCO PDA Scott Gallagher

 

 

All 16 teams will attend the first event of the season whereas the second and third events will be regional competitions.  They will each play three games per weekend and only play each other once in the entire regular season.  Standings will be based on the point system: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss.  The fourth event will take place in Chicago, May 26-28, 2007, and will serve as the official league playoffs.  One team will leave the field that day as the national champion.

 

In addition to the National Title, the winning team will win a trip to New York to play the New York Red Bulls Under-17 team in Giants Stadium.  The New York Red Bulls Under-17 team will be joining the Red Bull National League 17 for the 2007/2008 season, along with other new teams that will be chosen through a qualification and possible play-in process. 

 

For media inquiries, including interview opportunities, press passes, etc. please contact Ellie Applen at (310) 460-4532 or via email at ellen.applen@us.redbull.com. 

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