The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host the 14th Annual Player Combine for eligible college seniors, qualified free agents and talented amateur players that are seeking a professional contract. A selected number of players will be invited to participate in three days of intense training and scrimmages at the Kickers state-of-the-art training facility, Ukrop Park, in Richmond, Virginia.
When
The combine will begin in the evening on Friday, January 20 with registration, player meeting, drills and small-sided games. The sessions will continue with full-sided games on Saturday, January 21 and Sunday, January 22. For the complete schedule, please click HERE.
Where
All training sessions will be held at the state-of-the-art home of the Richmond Kickers, Ukrop Park, in Richmond, Virginia. With five beautiful, natural grass fields and two lighted synthetic turf surfaces, Ukrop Park is one of the region’s top sports complexes and is conveniently located 15 minutes from Richmond International Airport and less than eight miles from the combine’s host hotel.
Combine Fees
Take advantage of the early registration discounted rate of $150. Application and payment must be postmarked on or before January 10, 2012. Registration fees increase to $175 after January 10, 2012. Registration fees are non-refundable and must be made payable by cash or money order. Sorry, no personal checks will be accepted. The combine fee does not include lodging, transportation or meals.
Coaching Staff
Combine sessions will take place in front of Kickers’ professional coaching staff, led by Leigh Cowlishaw, Head Coach and Director of Soccer. Cowlishaw will be joined by an array of technical staff and former professional players who have an extensive knowledge of professional soccer. The Kickers professional coaching staff is responsible for any final decisions regarding player contracts.
Combine Benefits
Attendance at the Richmond Kickers Player Combine is one of the best ways to ensure that a player’s complete soccer resume and professional evaluation is in front of key decision makers for the Richmond Kickers organization. Past Kickers trials have produced such prominent players as Clyde Simms (D.C. United and US Men’s National Team), Ronnie Pascale (Three-time USL-2 Goalkeeper of the Year), Tim Brown (New Zealand National Team) and Robert Ssejjemba (2006 USL-2 MVP and Ugandan National Team).
Application Process
To register, complete an official application and submit it, along with the non-refundable registration fee, to the Richmond Kickers front office. Additional materials (video, media clippings, etc) may be submitted for review, but they are not required, nor will they be returned, so please do not send originals.
Space is Limited
The Richmond Kickers Player Combine accepts a limited number of players at each position to ensure that each player receives the maximum exposure to be effectively evaluated. If space is not available at your position, your registration fee will not be processed and you may opt to be placed on a waiting list. Refunds will not be granted for any other reason.
Registration Deadline
Applications are reviewed and processed on a first come, first served basis and the combine rosters are filled accordingly. The Kickers encourage early registration to improve your chances of being accepted. All applicants will be notified via email so please include a legible email address on your application.
Recommended Lodging
The Richmond Kickers Player Combine Host Hotel, the Hyatt Place Richmond Arboretum, is conveniently located less than eight miles from the training facility. Click here for reservation information.
About the Kickers
Over the past 19 seasons, Richmond has qualified for postseason play 17 times, and made history with a monumental run to the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals in 2011. Although ousted from the USL PRO Semifinals this season, the Kickers reached the title match in 2010 for the sixth time in the past nine campaigns, falling just short of the Championship title following a 2-1 loss to the Charleston Battery. Richmond’s seven previous league Championship appearances (1995, 1996, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009) include winning the Premier League title in 1995, a shoot-out loss to Seattle in the USL First Division final in 2005 and taking the USL Second Division crown twice against Charlotte in 2006 and 2009. In addition to on-field success, the Kickers have taken United Soccer Leagues Organization of the Year honors on five occasions (1995, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2009).
Questions?
Contact Leigh Cowlishaw, Head Coach, at 804-644-5425 x 303 or lcowlishaw@richmondkickers.com.
