Written by Will Ridgard
It’s not often English Premier League star André Ayew is kept quiet by center backs, but 16-year-old Chris Durkin managed it in July.
Durkin, who started with the Kickers when he was just eight years old, defended immaculately during his professional debut against Ayew, then playing for Swansea City, as the Kickers ran out 2-0 winners.
“It was an incredible experience,” said the youngster, born on Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA.
“I was lucky enough, at age 15, to get a few minutes against West Bromwich Albion (also of the English Premier League), the previous summer, but to play to the full 90 in front of a big crowd was amazing.
“Not only did we win, but we played attractive attacking soccer too. I went on to play in four league (USL) games (on loan) after this so it raised my confidence quite a bit.”
Durkin signed a Homegrown contract with the Kickers’ official MLS affiliate, D.C. United in June 2016, becoming the youngest Homegrown Player in club history.
He earned his first start with D.C. United’s first team in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup that month and is regularly involved in the U17 U.S. Men’s National team, who he is hoping to represent in the U17 World Cup next year.
And although there is a long path ahead for Durkin, currently completing his junior year at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, it all started for him at the Kickers.
“I started with the Kickers when I was eight years old,” confirmed the youngster, who went on to spend time with DC United’s Academy from the age of 11.
“My first coach was Mike Burke. He is someone I have grown very close to over the years.
“I played with a lot of guys that were very committed and loved the game. We were a tight knit group and I have so many great memories from these years.”
Durkin was invited to first team training by Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw in January 2015, before signing an Academy contract in March.
“It was a great experience training with the Kickers pro team,” continued Durkin. “I knew a lot of the players as some had coached me in the past. It was a great environment for me to work on decision making and increase my speed of play.
“It took me a little while to adjust to the speed and physicality of the practices but I think I adjusted over time until I felt very comfortable.”
And although Durkin is looking to establish himself at D.C. United in the coming years, future appearances with the Kickers remain a possibility – a club that holds a special place in his heart.
“The Richmond Kickers always offered me opportunities to develop and the coaches were always there for me,” he continued.
“To me, the Kickers are a special organization and club because you have a real connection with the pro team.
“Whenever you go to a Kickers pro game, you will always see younger Kickers players there and for me that is special. It allows kids to be involved in the culture and that unique developmental pyramid – from recreational soccer to professional soccer – is what makes the Kickers so great.
“If you work hard and are committed, you can go far. The path is there for sure, and reaching the top of the pyramid is something that Kickers youth players should aspire to.”
Durkin is certainly looking to do just that, while acknowledging the importance of education.
“I want to have as long of a career as possible as a professional player,” he said.
“I also plan, when the time is right, to start taking some college classes. Right now, my commitment is to working hard every day in both school and soccer.”
It is one step at a time for a young man destined for big things.
