New York ( CNN ) -- Now goalkeeper for the New York Red Bulls , as a child growing up in Senegal , Bouna Coundoul could only dream of being a professional footballer . At the age of 14 Coundoul was sent to study in the unfamiliar surroundings of New York . But his passion for football followed him across the Atlantic . `` When I moved from Senegal to the United States in 1997 , I did n't know that in the United States they played soccer -- all I thought is basketball or whatever , '' he says . `` So coming here and seeing that soccer is well developed here , I went to high school . '' Coundoul 's shot-stopping talents started flourishing in his new environment . He soon made a splash on the local football scene as a talented goalie while playing in high school . `` In the United States , education can open the doors of any opportunity that you want , so when I went to high school , people started seeing , 'oh this guy has some talent , this guy can make it . ' '' In 2005 he fulfilled his dream of competing at the top level by signing for American Major League Soccer ( MLS ) team the Colorado Rapids . These days he sports the red and white colors of the New York Red Bulls , whose fans have taken him to their hearts . On match days , a certain catch phrase can often be heard echoing around the team 's imposing stadium : `` It 's Bouna Time . '' It 's a phrase Coundoul lives by , defining his attitude toward both football and life . `` The way I see it , the way I kind of come up with it ( is to ) be the best on the field , '' he explains . `` Whatever you do in life , as long as it 's positive , it can be Bouna Time . '' `` Try to do everything at your max so after , later on , you do n't regret anything . That 's why Bouna Time is all about ( being ) positive . '' Coundoul says he 's developed a special relationship with his team 's fans : `` As soon as I step on the field ... you can hear it . 'What time is it ? It 's Bouna Time . ' And that really makes me feel like , OK , these guys are on my side , they really believe in me . `` I make sure I give them a good show so every time they come , they know it 's going to be Bouna Time . '' Now a teammate of French football legend Thierry Henry , Coundoul says he cherishes the moments he 's on the same field as some of the sport 's biggest names . `` Thierry Henry , David Beckham , Rafael Marquez , Samuel Eto ' o -- all those guys that back in the day I used to sit and dream and watch those guys play , now we 're in the same field , playing with those guys , or against them , '' he says . `` I think that 's a dream come true . Any soccer player would love to have that opportunity . '' Coundoul 's eye-catching performances in the MLS have also earned him a place in Senegal 's national team . `` I represent it with pride , with honor , '' he says . `` I want to serve the country the best way possible , which is playing soccer . '' In 2007 he found another way to help his country on a deeper level , with the creation of the Bouna Time Academy , which provides after-school football training for some 60 children , and organizes matches for them at the weekend . But Coundoul says that only top students are accepted by the academy . He wants the young athletes to understand that while few of them will have the chance to be professional footballers , their education can take them anywhere . `` I tell them , once you get your education , anything is possible , '' he says . `` Even if you do n't become a professional soccer player , you can become the next president . `` If you get your education , you can travel , you can read , you can do everything you want to do , and you can carry yourself in a way that they say , 'this guy is professional all the time . ' ''
Bouna Coundoul is New York Red Bulls ' Senegalese goalkeeper . He moved to the U.S. aged 14 , where his talents were spotted in high school . He 's created the 'Bouna Time Academy ' in Senegal .