The Richmond United Boys Development Academy is pleased to announce a landmark partnership with two of Virginia’s most progressive youth soccer clubs, Fredericksburg FC and Tidewater Sharks.
Joining Richmond United parent clubs Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers, the two newest affiliates are fully committed to enhancing and optimizing the development of all players, coaches and technical staff within their respective soccer communities. As part of the new partnership, five players from the two affiliated clubs will join Richmond United as Developmental or full-time players for the 2019-20 season. In addition, the clubs will collaborate regularly throughout the season to identify high-performing players.
“We are excited to establish this partnership with Fredericksburg FC and Tidewater Sharks,” commented Sascha Goerres, Richmond United Boys DA Director. “In my conversations with Grover and Martin, it became clear very quickly that both clubs put the development of the individual player first and are fully committed to providing their most talented players and staff a clear pathway to the Development Academy, the top tier of youth soccer in the United States.”
The collaboration between Richmond United and its affiliated clubs focuses on two main areas, player development and club/staff development. The affiliation will provide the most talented players the opportunity to benefit from Richmond United’s Development Academy environment for training and games as Developmental Players while simultaneously continuing to participate in training and games with their home clubs. Richmond United and its affiliated clubs will work together to provide all players with an appropriate level of competition based on the individual players’ abilities and goals.
“We are excited to provide our players the opportunity to join the highest platform in youth club soccer,” said Martin Vickerton, Tidewater Sharks Club Director. “With their player pool, coaching and academy status, Richmond United provides the best training and playing environment for our players. We will work together with Sascha and his staff to make sure our players are ready for the next step. Our end goal of this exciting affiliation is for players to continue their dream of playing soccer at the highest level possible.”
In addition to the added benefits for players, the technical staffs and coaches will meet regularly to share best practices such as curriculum and session design, while collaborating on development initiatives including talent identification sessions, scrimmage festivals and camps, to optimize the elite training environment for all clubs.
“We have an experienced staff at Fredericksburg FC,” added Grover Gibson, Fredericksburg FC Executive Director. “However, with this partnership we will begin to collaborate and work together with an even larger pool of highly experienced Technical & Coaching Staff members from Richmond who are all completely focused on optimizing player development and creating larger pathways and opportunities, not only for players, but also for coaches to share their philosophies & methodology.”
About Richmond United
Established in 2014 by the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers, Richmond United’s vision is to offer the most comprehensive and successful player development environment for soccer in Virginia. We will inspire our members, strive to achieve excellence and unite our soccer community. The Richmond United Boys program currently has teams in the U12-19 age groups and competes in the US Soccer Development Academy.
About Fredericksburg FC
Based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Fredericksburg FC is one of the largest and oldest youth travel soccer clubs in Central Virginia, established in 1986, serving Spotsylvania County, King George, Orange, Caroline Counties and Fredericksburg City. FFC U9-U18 travel teams compete in the top leagues in Virginia, Maryland and Northeast Region, along with our collegiate level programming competing in CCL Pro 23. FFC Travel Teams compete in the highest level of National Showcase Events & Tournaments in the United States. Fredericksburg FC offers a professional Academy Program for the youngest of soccer players ages Under 4 through 8, while the Recreation Level for ages Under 8 through High School provides a program for all skill levels and abilities.
About Tidewater Sharks
Established in 2012, the Sharks mission has been to provide quality soccer opportunities at all levels. The club has seen huge growth both in the number and quality of players and coaches. The clubs acceptance into the Virginia NPL in 2016 provided the highest level of competition in league play for the elite players. In addition, the club provides the Little Sharks Academy (2-5 year olds), recreational league (4-14 year olds), AP Sharks Program (6-8 year olds) and travel (TASL & VSL leagues). With over 1200+ players in our programs, we are proud to be offering quality opportunities for the Williamsburg and surrounding communities.
