Harrison, NJ—With the New York Red Bulls home opener against the Seattle Sounders only a few days away, the team held their annual Media Day. It's an event where the Press has access to watch the team practice as well as interview the players, coaches and staff about the upcoming season. 

During the event, VP of Communications and Community Relations Jurgen Mainka announced the launching of the "New York's Got Wings" campaign. For every goal the Red Bulls score this season, $1000 in equipment and clinics will be donated to NYC Parks Youth Programs and NY Soccer Programs.

"Programs like New York's Got Wings that utilize soccer as a means to integrate youth, promote health and give back to the community are very important to me," said New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry. "As someone that has received so much from this sport since I was growing up, I feel a responsibility to constantly use soccer as a tool of positive social change."

"Parks & Recreation is thrilled to partner with the New York Red Bulls, the region's only professional soccer team, to bring soccer clinics and equipment to our Summer Camps sports programing," said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "Together we can help introduce children to the sport, while encouraging our professional team."

Nancy Barthold, Assistant Commissioner Recreation & Programming agrees, as she pointed out that it the was the New York Red Bulls who initially contacted the NYC Parks Dept. and informed them that they wanted to get involved with the city's summer programs. 

"Along with our current summer camp programs, it's fantastic that the New York Red Bulls has offered to help enhance the quality of our services by providing the children we serve the opportunity to learn and play soccer," said Nancy.

In addition to commitment to the NYC Parks, “New York’s Got Wings” will also donate new soccer equipment to New York youth soccer programs throughout the five boroughs. In an act of good faith and the New York Red Bulls' commitment to each borough in New York, voting will take place throughout the season. Fans will have the opportunity to place their vote for a specific youth soccer club to receive the prize.

The soccer club voting for each borough will take place over a seven game block starting with Queens (3/19-4/30), Brooklyn (5/7-6/11), Staten Island (6/19-7/16), Bronx (7/20-9/10) and Manhattan (9/17-10/20).

"I am thrilled to be part of the New York's Got Wings Program," Red Bulls midfielder Rafa Marquez said. "I think it is extremely important to develop youth soccer programs in the Tri-State area and I am willing to help out in any way I can."

Also taking part of this initiative is Adidas as they've committed to donate 1,000 soccer balls at the beginning of the 2011 MLS Season. In addition, Adidas will donate an additional ball for every Red Bull jersey purchased at the Adidas Sport Performance store in New York and this commitment will last throughout the season.

With the cutbacks that New York City has been suffering throughout the years, it's fantastic to see that the New York Red Bulls is vocally telling New Yorkers that they're committed to the children of the city.

For all the misconception that the New York Red Bulls is a corporate team, they have done a lot for the Tri-State area that often gets ignored.

Over the years, the Red Bulls have generously donated tickets various non-profit organizations. In addition, they have a "Breaking Borders" program with the NYPD where they host a soccer clinic while donating equipment to the children in South America. Last year, they conducted a couple of soccer clinics for the NYC Department of Juvenile Justice.

While many Red Bull fans want to see their beloved team hoist the 2011 MLS Cup trophy, they now have another reason to hope they score more goals during the season.

Fans will have the opportunity to follow this campaign on opening day by going to @NYGotWings and www.redbullusa.com/newyorksgotwings.

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for Latino Sports. You may follow him on Facebook at Covering Soccer and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer and @LatinoSports143. Please email your questions and comments to Cesar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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