The 16-year-old returns home to Richmond after playing in the Atlanta United Academy
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to share that midfielder Landon Johnson has signed a USL Academy contract for the remainder of the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval.
“In my experience, young players in their home environment with their families, their friends, and the familiarity of everyday life, thrive if given the best overall opportunity to grow as young people and as players,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “We want the Richmond Kickers professional team to be the showcase of the great player development in Richmond and we are working every day to make this a destination for young players in that development cycle.
“Landon is a player that sought a higher level but has returned to Richmond to continue his development and work for the highest level of the game. We see Landon competing for time with the professional team and his attacking qualities and his humble nature fit with our culture here.”
Johnson returns to the River City after spending a year working in MLS’ Atlanta United Academy. However, the opportunity for the 16-year-old to return to his hometown to continue developing was something he craved.
“I was invited to train with the Kickers for a week this summer, and at the end of the week Darren had told me he thinks I have the building blocks to be a pro,” Johnson said. “As a player with a dream of playing professionally, this is one of the best things you can hear. Early the next week Darren pulled me aside and offered me an academy contract with the Richmond Kickers.
“Even though it didn’t show, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was eager to get home and tell my family. It was truly a day I will never forget. I lived away from home for a year playing with the Atlanta United Academy, but I wanted to come home because I love Richmond.”
Johnson joins his brother Ty – who signed a USL Academy contract during the 2021 season – as the third pair of brothers to play for the Kickers since Evan and Vaughn Fowler in 2013 and Derrick and Darrell Etienne from 1998-2001.
The Chesterfield native is the fourth player with Richmond United pedigree to sign a USL Academy contract with the Kickers during the 2023 season. He is also the second local player this season to return to the Kickers from an MLS Academy after Gabe Cox joined from the Columbus Crew Academy ahead of the preseason.
Johnson’s signing is a further indication that the player pathway in Richmond is growing stronger and presenting greater opportunities for talented youth players to develop in a professional environment while staying close to home.
“We are very happy about Landon’s return to Richmond,” Richmond Kickers’ Head Assistant Coach and Richmond United Technical Director, Mika Elovaara said. “He is a humble and confident young man with tremendous potential, and we are excited to get to work with him every day. With our strong partnership with Richmond United, the player development pathway in Richmond is growing stronger than ever before, and players coming back to RVA from MLS academies are another example of that. I’m looking forward to seeing Landon thrive with us, in our community, on and off the field.”
“I think the environment and pathway that Darren, Mika, and the coaching staff have built is amazing for young talent,” Johnson said. “I’m glad to be a part of this process. This opportunity is more than a chance to prove myself at the next level. This is an opportunity to represent my hometown with pride and be a role model for young talent that could be just like me.”
A pacy winger who likes to score goals and cause problems for opposing backlines, Johnson made his name in the academy with well-timed runs to stretch the defense as well as surgical dribbles through the center of the park.
Now, the talented youngster is aiming to refine his skills and make a name for himself at City Stadium.
“The Richmond Kickers’ culture is the best I’ve experienced and I’ve never felt more a part of a family,” Johnson said. “I eventually want to earn a starting spot in the lineup. I hope to prove to myself and others that I can make a positive impact on the team, consistently, and at a high level.”
Johnson is available for selection for the Kickers’ next match this Saturday, July 15th against Charlotte Independence.
During the Kickers’ match on Saturday, the club will host Women In Sports Night presented by the YMCA of Greater Richmond. 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: Landon Johnson signs with the Kickers on a USL Academy contract for the remainder of the 2023 USL League One season on July 11, 2023.
Rostered Players for 2023 as of July 11, 2023
GOALKEEPERS: Akira Fitzgerald, Will Palmquist, James Sneddon
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, Landon Johnson
