The 19-year-old earned a scholarship to a top ACC program after spending a season and a half developing in the Kickers’ pro environment
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to share that academy goalkeeper Eli Mumford has accepted a scholarship to join the University of Pittsburgh’s nationally-ranked men’s soccer program and will depart the club effective immediately.
The 19-year-old now prepares to join the Pitt Panthers – who finished as 2022 College Cup Semifinalists last season – following a season and a half developing in the Kickers’ evolving youth talent development pathway.
“My experience with the Kickers has been unbelievable,” Mumford said. “In terms of development, my opportunity with the club being in such a high-level environment was so great and has transformed my game.
“I just want to thank the fans for being so supportive of the club and me. I hope they continue to do that with every player that comes through there and hope that they track my career because I will always be a Kicker.”
Joining the Kickers in February 2022, Mumford’s career in RVA began as a promising talent that included the opportunity to gain starting minutes on loan with Grove Soccer United of the NPSL during summer 2022.
Just a little over a year after his signing, the Chapel Hill, N.C. native had graduated to the third keeper on the Kicker’s roster and made the matchday squad in the team’s second regular-season match at Greenville Triumph SC.
Mumford also had the opportunity to play with Grove Soccer United in the 2023 USL Academy Cup back in March 2023.
“Eli was a young tenacious goalkeeper looking for an opportunity to develop and grow,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “He wanted to chase the highest level of the game. He was a perfect academy signing for us because he dove head first into the culture and training environment. While working with Akira [Fitzgerald] and living in Richmond, he has matured into a very good goalkeeper. The move to Pitt is the next step in his development cycle. Eli is a Kicker-lifer and we look forward to watching his growth in the game.”
Under Kickers’ Goalkeeping Coach and starting goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald, Mumford trained each day in a highly competitive goalkeeping union alongside Fitzgerald who is an annual fixture in USL League One’s end-of-season awards and Will Palmquist who has emerged as a top keeper in the league after sharing starting goalkeeping responsibilities with Fitzgerald in 2022 and 2023.
Mumford’s improvement alongside professional players stands as a model for talented youth in the local area aiming to accelerate their development as they aim to play at the highest levels in the area and beyond.
“Eli is a perfect example of what is possible with a full pathway from youth to senior football,” Richmond Kickers’ Head Assistant Coach and Richmond United Technical Director, Mika Elovaara said. “He is a young man with great values and character, and high-level ambition. He was never distracted by what others say or think, he embraced our club culture and showed up to work every day, humble to learn and ambitious to develop.
“Being in the pro environment every day will maximize one’s career options, just like it did for Eli, and he’s made a great choice to join a top college program in the country. We are proud of him and happy for him as he takes this next step in his career.”
Fitzgerald witnessed Mumford leave his mark on both the goalkeeping union and the entire Kickers’ dressing room firsthand.
“Eli’s growth has had such a positive impact on our entire goalkeeping group,” Fitzgerald said. “When he first joined us he was extremely raw but showed glimpses of his potential. Through his hard work, willingness to learn, and professional attitude he has taken great strides in his development and is ready for this next step in his playing career.
“I am so happy for him, he has earned this fantastic opportunity, and I am confident he will continue to develop his game and take it to new heights. We will miss him because he has been a great teammate and has always put the team first and helped us in any way necessary.”
Throughout his time in Richmond, Mumford progressed as a modern goalkeeper that is comfortable having the ball at his feet. In training, he flashed his agility whenever he was in the goal, quick to come off his line to disrupt opposition attacks or make a save.
Mumford relished earning his place in the Kickers’ dressing room.
“It was especially amazing to be in a place with such a great culture where I could develop as a person as well as a player,” Mumford said. “I woke up every day excited and ready to go into training.”
The Kickers continue their three-match homestand this Saturday, June 24th when they host One Knoxville SC during First Match of the Summer Night. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free pair of Up The Roos sunglasses. The doors at City Stadium are set to open at 5:45 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.
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TRANSACTION: Eli Mumford departs from the Kickers on June 20, 2023.
Rostered Players for 2023 as of June 20, 2023
GOALKEEPERS: Akira Fitzgerald, Will Palmquist
DEFENDERS: Nathan Aune, Michael Hornsby, Dakota Barnathan, Simon Fitch, Otavio Zerbini, Beckett Howell, Jake Mecham, Chris Cole
MIDFIELDERS: Chandler O’Dwyer, João Gomiero, Nil Vinyals, Zaca Moran, Gabe Cox
FORWARDS: Emiliano Terzaghi, Matthew Bentley, Owayne Gordon, Luke Pavone, David Olsen, Justin Sukow, Kharlton Belmar, Ethan Vanacore-Decker, Ryan Sierakowski
