New Jersey’s soccer community is preparing for one of the most influential gatherings in youth sports development as the 10th Annual Youth Soccer Summit arrives on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Hosted by Red Bull New York in partnership with New Jersey Youth Soccer and presented by RWJBarnabas Health, the event brings together coaches, administrators, club directors, and soccer leaders for a full day of collaboration, innovation, and strategic discussion focused on advancing the game at every level.
From grassroots participation and player development pathways to coaching education, competition structure, and the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the summit serves as a central platform for shaping the future of youth soccer across New Jersey and the broader region. The event reflects the state’s growing leadership role in American soccer development and its expanding influence on national and international competition.
For families, coaches, and organizations following the growth of the sport statewide, the summit represents a defining moment in the evolution of soccer culture throughout the Garden State.
A Landmark Event for Youth Soccer Leadership
The Youth Soccer Summit has evolved into one of the region’s most important forums for strategic dialogue within the sport. Designed to bridge leadership perspectives from club management to on-field development, the event focuses on building stronger pathways for young athletes while enhancing organizational effectiveness across youth programs.
The summit’s mission centers on collaboration — connecting decision-makers and practitioners to explore best practices, share research, and implement forward-thinking initiatives that strengthen the sport’s infrastructure.
As soccer participation continues to rise across New Jersey, the need for coordinated development strategies has never been greater. Events like the Youth Soccer Summit play a critical role in shaping how the next generation of players, coaches, and administrators experience the game.
Opening Address Sets Strategic Vision for the Sport
The summit will open with a keynote address from Red Bull New York President Marc de Grandpré, who will outline the organization’s vision for soccer development and the role of professional clubs in strengthening youth pathways.
His address will set the tone for a day focused on innovation, growth, and long-term strategic planning. The leadership perspective offered by professional organizations provides valuable insight into how youth development aligns with elite competition and global soccer trends.
Leadership Panel Highlights Professional Insights
One of the event’s centerpiece discussions will feature a leadership panel with Julian de Guzman, Head of Sporting for Red Bull New York, and Michael Bradley, the club’s head coach. The session will explore high-performance development, competitive culture, and the evolving demands of modern soccer.
These conversations provide youth leaders with direct access to professional-level insights, reinforcing the connection between grassroots programs and elite competition environments.
The panel underscores the growing integration between professional soccer organizations and youth development systems across New Jersey.
Featured Presenters Drive Industry Innovation
The summit will feature an extensive lineup of presenters representing major organizations within the soccer ecosystem. These speakers will address key issues shaping the future of youth sports, including coaching methodology, player development models, and organizational leadership.
Featured presenters include MLS Next Technical Director Luis Robles, New Jersey Youth Soccer Chief Executive Officer Evan Dabby, Soccer Forward Foundation Director of Impact Programs Nora Dooley, Red Bull New York Academy Director Sean McCafferty, US Youth Soccer National League General Manager Marc Frankland, and Red Bull New York’s coach education leader Max DuBane.
Additional perspectives will come from national and regional leaders working across player development, competition management, and community engagement.
The diversity of expertise reflects the complexity of modern soccer development, where technical training, organizational strategy, and community impact intersect.
Key Topics Shaping the Future of Youth Soccer
The summit’s programming addresses some of the most important issues currently facing the sport, providing actionable insights for clubs and organizations.
U.S. Soccer Pathways Strategy
A major focus of the event will be the evolving U.S. Soccer development pathway, including strategies designed to support player growth from early participation through elite competition. Sessions will examine national growth initiatives and the services supporting youth programs.
MLS Next Development Landscape
Discussions surrounding MLS Next will explore alignment between youth academies and professional pathways. These sessions provide clarity on how emerging talent can progress through structured development systems toward professional opportunities.
Preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Impact
With the United States preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the summit will explore how local organizations can maximize the tournament’s impact. Leaders will discuss community engagement, participation growth, and long-term infrastructure benefits tied to global competition.
New Competition Structures
Soccer leaders will examine evolving competition models within U.S. Youth Soccer and U.S. Club Soccer, addressing how structural changes influence player development and competitive balance.
Age Group Development and Curriculum Innovation
Sessions focused on age group transitions and coaching curriculum will provide guidance on adapting training models to support player growth and long-term success. These discussions emphasize modern approaches to coaching and game strategy.
Growing the Girls Game
A dedicated segment will address the continued expansion of girls’ soccer participation, exploring initiatives designed to increase engagement and provide equitable development opportunities.
Early Engagement and Participation Models
Youth engagement strategies will highlight methods for introducing children to soccer earlier and sustaining participation through positive experiences.
Professional Fundraising and Club Sustainability
Organizational leaders will also examine fundraising strategies and financial sustainability, ensuring clubs can continue to provide high-quality programs.
Collectively, these discussions reflect the comprehensive approach required to support youth soccer development in today’s competitive landscape.
New Jersey’s Expanding Influence in American Soccer
The Youth Soccer Summit underscores New Jersey’s growing prominence as a national leader in soccer development. The state’s strong youth participation rates, competitive club systems, and proximity to major professional organizations create a unique environment for athletic growth.
New Jersey continues to produce elite talent, host major competitions, and foster innovative training programs that contribute to the sport’s expansion nationwide.
The state’s commitment to soccer is reflected in its extensive network of youth leagues, training academies, and development programs highlighted throughout Explore New Jersey’s soccer coverage, which documents the ongoing growth of the sport across communities statewide.
Sports Illustrated Stadium as a Hub for Soccer Innovation
Hosting the summit at Sports Illustrated Stadium reinforces the venue’s importance as a center for professional and youth soccer activity in the region. The stadium provides a fitting backdrop for discussions about the future of the game, connecting grassroots development with professional competition.
Events hosted at the venue contribute to regional economic activity while strengthening New Jersey’s identity as a destination for major sporting events and industry leadership gatherings.
The Role of Youth Soccer in Community Development
Beyond competition, youth soccer programs play a significant role in shaping community identity and youth development. Participation in organized sports promotes teamwork, leadership, and personal growth while fostering connections among families and communities.
The summit’s emphasis on collaboration and best practices reflects the broader impact of soccer as a tool for social engagement and community building.
Preparing for the Next Generation of Soccer Excellence
As the sport continues to grow across the United States, events like the Youth Soccer Summit help ensure that development systems evolve to meet changing demands. By connecting leaders, sharing knowledge, and promoting innovation, the summit contributes to a stronger and more sustainable soccer ecosystem.
The 10th annual gathering represents both a milestone and a forward-looking initiative — celebrating progress while preparing for the next era of growth in youth soccer.
A Defining Moment for Soccer in the Garden State
The upcoming Youth Soccer Summit at Sports Illustrated Stadium represents a defining moment for New Jersey’s soccer community. By bringing together influential leaders, professional organizations, and grassroots programs, the event reinforces the state’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
As the countdown continues toward March 1, the summit promises to deliver transformative conversations, strategic insights, and meaningful connections that will shape the future of soccer across New Jersey and beyond.
For players, coaches, administrators, and fans, the event highlights the enduring strength of the sport and its expanding role in the cultural and athletic fabric of the Garden State — positioning New Jersey at the forefront of youth soccer development in the United States.
