RICHMOND, VA – (Wednesday, March 9, 2016) – The Richmond Kickers unveiled the strongest developmental program in the region with an innovative new format for U9 and U10 players (ages 8-9) beginning in the fall 2016.
Led by former Kickers professional player and ADP and U9/U10 Director, Ross MacKenzie, the program has been meticulously designed to provide additional emphasis on technical and tactical instruction under the guidance of the region’s top coaches. The pioneering format offers a seamless transition from the highly successful Advanced Development Program (ADP) for players ages 6-7 to Kickers Elite and Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL) teams.
“Our U9 program has grown exponentially over the past three years and has allowed the Kickers to provide the best developmental environment for our younger players both in training and with our in-house games,” commented MacKenzie.
“This groundbreaking initiative to bring our U10 group in house, alongside our U9s, will allow us to provide an enhanced training curriculum with competitive games each week,” he continued. “We have the ability to tailor instruction and monitor the progress of each individual to provide the best possible environment for RVA’s future generation.”
The Richmond Kickers U9/U10 program will offer geographically-based teams, training twice per week at convenient locations throughout the Greater Richmond area, with games played on Saturday mornings at the Kickers showcase sports complex, Ukrop Park.
Following U.S. Soccer’s guidelines, teams will play a 7v7 format, with a combination of in-house games against teams from across the Kickers geographic locations as well as additional competitive games against clubs from throughout the state. New this fall, rosters will remain consistent for both the fall and spring seasons with the flexibility to transition players according to the appropriate development level throughout the year.
“The continuity and consistency of this new format will make U.S. Soccer’s new age group realignment less drastic for our younger players,” added MacKenzie. “Also, having several teams at each location allows us to group players by development level in training and games, which lessens the relative age effect.”
Uniforms mirror the Kickers professional team with top-of-the-line replica adidas jerseys and shorts. Fees include two tournaments as well as winter and summer training.
As an added benefit, all players in the Kickers U9/U10 program have the opportunity to experience the atmosphere and excitement of Kickers Pro soccer with a complementary Family Pass, which offers admission for up to five family members to all Richmond Kickers professional regular season home games at City Stadium ($900 value).
Tryouts for the 2016-17 season for players born in 2007 and 2008 will be held this May. Detailed information regarding tryouts and coaching staff will be announced shortly at www.richmondkickers.com.
