Recap: Takeaways from the Second Annual UltraFooty Pro Panel Night

By: Trevon James

For many young soccer players throughout New Jersey and the rest of the country it can be said that they are growing up in and developing as players during perhaps the most popular, thoughtful, and advantageous time to play the sport. In any event, the goal remains, for each individual, the same. Their hopes and dreams rest squarely on the shoulders of the future versions of themselves hopefully playing at the highest level. To get to the highest level, or as close as possible while also advancing in the game of life, the youth needs careful consideration and direction from those that have come before.

That’s where Dylan Evande and Jordan Salings’ second iteration of the UltraFooty Pro Panel Night comes in.

The pro panel discussion provides young soccer players the unique opportunity to gather critical insight from players that have graced the highest levels of the sport. For some, the pro panel night was a chance to see the best of the best up close and personal. For others it was the perfect platform to be a sponge, gathering as much wisdom as they can while they have the chance. Some of the older youth players were staring into a mirror of themselves down the line, having connected with fellow Red Bull Pro Pathway alumni.

Professional soccer players possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be invaluable to younger players. By sharing their insights, professionals can help young players enhance their skills, develop mental fortitude, and make informed decisions about their careers. But it’s not just the what or the when. It’s the two elements combined. Of the many crucial points to hit on, former U.S. Youth National Team and Flower City Union player, Nikkye Kidd De Point said, was focused on”making the right decision in crucial moments.”

The idea of becoming a professional athlete grows to be more daunting as the reality moves closer. The UF Pro Panel Night put into perspective just how realistic that goal is. It also added a key perspective on all of the things the journey brings. “The word for me was to instill confidence in the young ballers,” said Kidd De Point. “To be honest, I didn’t really know alot about UltraFooty coming into the night. [Dylan Evande and Jordan Saling] really care about this game and helping out the youngins.”

Ultimately, the responsibility is with the young athletes. Former MLS NEXT PRO player for

Chattanooga FC, Shaun Russell knows this well and did not sugar coat the advice. “This is a dog eat dog world,” said Russell. “You have to have a strong mentality. Especially the Red Bull kids that are a part of that international pool.”

The abundance of opportunity stretched beyond just the players and parents. Russell noted also that the inquisition and glee from the youngsters in the crowd “lets me know the game has evolved and will continue to grow.” But, what does the night mean for UltraFooty as an organization? Growth.

Now accepting interns, servicing a growing client base, and expecting more frequent event opportunities, UltraFooty hopes to have a good rhythm with these pro panel nights and build toward a consistently supportive future for the future of the sport. Yariel Parapi, a social media content creator intern at Ultrafooty epitomized the inspiration the night created saying that, “by the end of the pro panel night I wanted to continue being behind the lens. Nights like that make things have more thought behind them [going forward].”