The New York Red Bulls will pay homage to a very special young girl Friday night when they play host to the San Jose Earthquakes at Red Bull Arena.
Julia de Grandpre, the 7-year-old daughter of Red Bulls general manager Marc de Grandpre, is the team’s biggest fan, loves captain Dax McCarty – although she thinks he’s a member of the band One Direction – and also has autism, reports the local NBC affiliate. And with that in mind, the Red Bulls will host Autism Awareness Night during Friday’s game, with a portion of ticket sales going to autism-based charities.
“She's a pretty special little girl," midfielder Dax McCarty told NBC New York. "Her attitude is infectious."
Julia is a constant presence around the team this season, clad in her Red Bulls jersey and calling the players “my boys.” On game days, though, the crush of activity and noise can be difficult, so the team will create special sections where families can sit with designated "safe zones" to retreat to in case the atmosphere gets too overwhelming. Game-day staff will also do its best to soften the video and music noise.
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“When we score goals, she gets excited and then a few seconds later, something clicks," de Grandpre said in the NBC report.
De Grandpre said it’s heart-warming to see the impact his daughter has had on the team and her impact on other children with similar challenges.
“It's good to see she's helping make a difference,” he said.
