Red Bull New York announced today that Cris da Silva has joined the Red Bull Academy Program and Andrew Sparkes has been named Academy Goalkeeper Coach. Da Silva, who played for the MetroStars for two seasons, will assume the role of head coach for the Red Bulls U14 team.

Da Silva, an original member of the New York franchise, played defensive midfielder for the club from 1996-98, appearing in 37 matches and making 21 starts and recording one assist.

An accomplished coach at every amateur level, da Silva serves as the head coach at New Jersey City University, and has guided Saint Joseph Regional High School as well as numerous youth teams to highly successful seasons during his coaching tenure.

Da Silva, who possesses a United States Soccer Federation National "A" License, has worked with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) as the head coach of the Region 1 Olympic Development Program (ODP) 1992 Boys team since 2004, has served as head coach of the New Jersey Minority Program for the USSF since 1997, and has held the title of Director of Youth Coaching for the American Soccer Club since 2000.

Sparkes has headed up the Red Bulls pre-academy goalkeeper program (RDS) for last three seasons. He has the top two goalkeeping licenses in the United States; the USSF National Goalkeeper License and the NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, as well as his UEFA 'B' Goalkeeper License. Sparkes has also served as the Super Y National ODP Goalkeeper coach for the last two years.