RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, December 15, 2016) – The Richmond Kickers will host a Player Identification Session for youth players born in 2005 through 2008 (U9-U12 boys and girls) interested in joining RVA’s top travel program for the 2017 spring season on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the club’s showcase sports complex, Ukrop Park.
As part of the largest travel program in the region, the Richmond Kickers field U11 and U12 teams that compete in the Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL), emphasizing technical and physical development while encouraging individual creativity and expression. The focus of the program is not on winning but on developing each player to his or her fullest potential and preparing the players for success in the future.
Michael Burke, U11-U12 Technical Director, acts as the main technical point of contact for all of the Kickers U11 and U12 Boys and Girls, Classic and Elite travel teams, guiding players through innovative and high quality youth development programming and excellence in coaching. Involved with the Kickers youth club since 2001, with a USSF B License, Burke currently coaches the Kickers U11 Boys Elite and the Kickers U12 Girls Elite teams. Holding the franchise record with 61 assists, the six-time Supporter’s Choice MVP honoree amassed nearly 18,000 minutes in a Richmond Kickers pro uniform over 11 seasons before retiring from professional soccer in 2012.
The Richmond Kickers U9/U10 program is the strongest developmental program in the region with an innovative format for players ages 8-9. The U9/U10 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 ADSL teams.
Ross MacKenzie, U9/U10 Director, manages the day-to-day operations and technical aspects of the Kickers U9/U10 program while overseeing all levels of player development for future Kickers travel players ages 6-8 through the Advanced Development Program (ADP). The native of Paisley, Scotland holds a USSF B License and a USSF National Youth Coaching License and also provides technical direction for the Kickers recreational programs, the All-Star Academy and coaching education.
Geographically based U9-U12 teams train twice per week and participate in an eight-game schedule played throughout the greater Richmond area, requiring very little travel for players and parents. Fees include up to two tournaments per season as well as winter and summer training. Uniforms for travel players mirror the Kickers professional team with top-of-the-line replica adidas jerseys and shorts.
As an added benefit, all players in the Kickers travel 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 ($960 value).
To attend the Player Identification Session for the 2017 Spring Season on January 14, players are encouraged to register at www.richmondkickers.com, choosing U9, U10, U11 or U12 South Ukrop Park as the location.
For more information, please contact Ross MacKenzie, U9/U10 Technical Director at ross@https://www.richmondkickers.com or 804-644-5425 x 302, or Michael Burke, U11 and U12 Technical Director, at burkemj804@gmail.com or 804-937-4024.
