Red Bulls Bring Soccer Excitement to LifeTown

Sometimes all it takes is the spark of an idea to create something truly special. For Friendship Circle Presidential teen volunteer, Sam Sharret, that spark led to an unforgettable LifeTown soccer event featuring the New York Red Bulls.

Sharret, a senior at Golda Och Academy, has volunteered for Friendship Circle since he was a freshman, forming strong bonds with the children he met along the way. 

“I have been working with the children at Friendship Circle for so long and I wanted to find a way to give them a memorable event,” said Sharret. “I’ve been going to Red Bulls games my whole life and I wanted to bring the two organizations that are very important to me together – Red Bulls and LifeTown.”

“As parents, we are so proud of Sam for thinking about a unique way to give back to the special needs kids he volunteers with throughout the year,” said Sharret’s mother, Yvette. “We’re so happy he used this as an opportunity to think outside of the box as to how he can share his love of soccer with his Friendship Circle buddies.” 

After months of careful planning, Sharret proudly welcomed the New York Red Bulls to LifeTown on Sunday, September 7. The gym was transformed into a mini training ground with cones, nets, and skill stations. The excitement was contagious as children laced up their sneakers, eager to meet four of the team’s star players: Aiden Jarvis, Tanner Rosborough, Curtis Ofori, and Roald Mitchell.

“Having the players here meant so much. Their presence, encouragement, and interaction gave our kids confidence and joy and showed them that they are valued and celebrated members of the community,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum, CEO of LifeTown and Friendship Circle.

The energy in the gym was palpable as children participated in action-packed soccer drills such as penalty kicks, dribbling races, and target shooting. Some kids cheered as they scored goals, others proudly showed off their speed, weaving through cones, and groups of friends laughed together as they tried new skills. The buzz got even louder as the Red Bull’s mascot, Redd, burst into the crowd. Excited fans high-fived Redd and posed for photographs with the iconic mascot.

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the special needs community and for LifeTown,” said Melissa Phillips of Summit. Phillips attended the event with her twenty-one-year-old son, Quinn. “This is a terrific facility for a very deserving community that’s all about inclusion. We really appreciate everything.”

“Seeing the joy Sam brought to these kids is everything,” said Yvette. “He brought an up-close Red Bulls experience to their home-away-from-home and we see it in all their smiles and excitement.”

“Watching the children’s faces light up as they played soccer and scored goals is what it’s all about,” said Friendship Circle board member, Dan Serviss. “Being all together is truly a benefit to our children and to our community,”

Fans became even more fired up as they waited to meet the talented players. Children clutched jerseys, balls and posters for eagerly anticipated autographs. Cameras flashed as families posed with the players. Jerseys were signed, photos were snapped, and smiles formed from ear to ear.

“I like the Red Bulls a lot because they’re so cool. I play a lot of soccer,” said Quinn Phillips. Phillips left the event wearing a jersey bearing signatures from all the Red Bulls players. “They have awesome players and my favorite mascot is Redd.”

“Seeing the event come together feels amazing,” said Sharret. “I think the kids had a great time today playing soccer and meeting the Red Bulls players. One child was jumping for joy because he got to take a photo with the players.”

Sharret, in partnership with LifeTown and the New York Red Bulls, gave fans an extraordinary experience that left a lasting impact. His one idea created a ripple effect of joy, bringing together children, families, volunteers, and professional athletes in a celebration of inclusion, sportsmanship, and community.