News

Kickers Re-Sign Braeden Troyer

RICHMOND, Va. – (Tuesday, January 1, 2019) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of defender Braeden Troyer for the 2019 season, pending USSF and USL League One approval.

“Braeden is one of the most versatile and effective defenders in all of the USL,” said Kickers Head Coach David Bulow. “The loss of Braeden through injury last season was a major blow to the team, and we are delighted that he has decided to come back to Richmond for the 2019 Season. Braeden’s experience and professionalism will be a huge asset to our up and coming young players in the club.”

After four seasons, Troyer has made 116 appearances in a Kickers shirt, adding two assists. In 2018, he amassed 2336 minutes over 27 matches including scoring his first professional goal in a friendly match against LaLiga’s RCD Espanyol.

“I am energized by the changes that are taking place in the club, and I can’t wait to be a part of the transformation being made by the new owners and coaching staff,” commented Troyer. “With the Red Army leading the way, I know that everyone who comes to City Stadium will make lasting memories and see what the RVA community is all about.”

Troyer impressed at the Kickers 2015 Pro Combine, earning his first professional contract after the three-day event. A four-year starter, a three-time Conference USA Academic Medal winner as well as a three-time member of the league’s postseason teams, Troyer helped the Gamecocks to a C-USA crown in 2011 as well as an NCAA Tournament appearance that season. As a senior, the native of Columbia, SC played every minute of the season and anchored South Carolina’s defense that posted three shutouts while adding one assist.

“I am thankful that God has given me the opportunity to continue playing this beautiful game,” added Troyer. “The importance of my wife’s ongoing support along with the encouragement from my family and friends in this unconventional career path can not be overstated. I truly appreciate the Kickers’ trust in me as a player on the field and as a representative off the field.”

Don’t miss a moment of the inaugural 2019 USL League One season at City Stadium! Place your deposit now for 2019 Richmond Kickers Season Tickets and receive perks throughout the season including VIP Express Lane at the Craft Beer trucks and merchandise discounts. Plus, orders received by January 15, 2019 will receive a limited edition scarf! More details on 2019 Season Tickets can be found at www.richmondkickers.com.

Kickers Add Sutton as Vice President for Business Development and Marketing

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, December 31, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers are excited to announce Scott Sutton as the Vice President for Business Development and Marketing of the Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer Team.

“I can’t wait to get started with Rob [Ukrop], Matt [Spear] and the rest of the Kickers organization. We are going to create something special here in Richmond through the Kickers,” said Sutton. “We are going to be active in the community and build strong, exciting partnerships in the business community and beyond. We are going to strengthen our existing partnerships, expand new partnerships, and elevate the Kickers pro team’s impact in the community. Our goal is to make a positive impact in our region.”

Sutton is an accomplished executive with more than 27 years in developing and leading strategic marketing, sales, business development and public relations efforts. At Froehling & Robertson, Inc., he concentrated his efforts on building and maintaining strong relationships with commercial real estate developers, economic development organizations, architects, engineers, and contractors throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. “We are thrilled to have Red Army member, Scott Sutton, join our Richmond Kickers team,” added owner Rob Ukrop. “Scott is an incredible addition because of his strong community relationships, his infectious enthusiasm for the pro soccer experience, and his genuine love for RVA.”

“Scott is a three goal hat trick – long time, successful Richmond business developer, effective believer in the continued growth of RVA, and a passionate, die-hard Kickers Red Army fanatic,” commented President Matt Spear. “He will be a fantastic chief evangelist as we elevate our ambition and activate our impact.”

A graduate of the Collegiate School and Randolph-Macon College, Scott is a proud Richmond native with a sincere appreciation of the city’s strengths and diversity. An earnest champion of the River City, he feels a sense of duty to do everything possible to promote the growth and prosperity of the entire region. His work and volunteer experiences have been diverse, often encompassing a leadership role in support of fundraising efforts and hands-on community involvement. Prior to joining F&R, Scott worked in fundraising, event planning, managed a statewide association and lobbied at the General Assembly of Virginia. He is passionate about his experiences with the Greater Richmond Chamber, Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate, Virginia Economic Developers Association, and Leadership Metro Richmond Class of 2008.

“As a lifelong Richmonder, I am thrilled to join the Richmond Kickers professional soccer team,” added Sutton. “I’ve spent my entire career trying to advance causes and activities that benefit the entire region and make RVA a better place to live, work and play. I’ve always been a massive sports fan and passionate about our Richmond sports teams. While on a trip to Scotland a few years back, I attended a soccer match and fell in love with the beautiful game. Upon my return I started attending Richmond Kickers matches and got absolutely hooked. I joined the Red Army and bought season tickets. Now my wife and I tailgate with the Red Army before every match and attend the away game watch parties. To say I’m a Kickers fan is an understatement.”

Kickers Re-Sign Scott Thomsen

RICHMOND, Va. – (Friday, December 28, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the re-signing of defender Scott Thomsen for the 2019 season, pending USSF and USL League One approval.

“Scott is a player that brings a lot of experience and USL Championship level quality,” commented Kickers Head Coach David Bulow. “He has shown a great desire to be part of our evolving organization, and his leadership will be invaluable to bringing glory back to the Richmond Kickers.”

Thomsen returns after making 18 appearances for the Kickers in 2018, scoring one goal and adding an assist. In his first stint with the Kickers, he joined the club mid-season in 2016 and netted one goal and added one assist en route to the birth in the 2016 USL Playoffs. Following the 2016 season, he joined Orlando City B where he made 15 appearances.

“I’m thankful and humbled to re-sign with Richmond,” said Thomsen. “There are so many exciting things happening around the club with the new ownership group and new league. I am grateful to David [Bulow], Matt [Spear], and Rob [Ukrop] for believing in me and trusting me to be a key part of this new era in the Richmond Kickers history. I can’t wait to be back at City Stadium and be a part of performances and wins the Red Army and the RVA community can be proud of again.”

Previously, the native of Brick Township, New Jersey, was signed by Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls as a Homegrown Player in December 2015 following a standout collegiate career at the University of Virginia. Claiming the 2014 NCAA Championship, he started 56 of 66 career matches and was a two-time ACC All-Academic Team honoree. One of 30 candidates for the Senior CLASS Award, he led the team in assists during his freshman and junior years, finishing with three goals and 18 assists over four seasons.

Kickers Announce 2019 Schedule

RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, December 10, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the 28-game regular season schedule, kicking off Saturday, March 30 at City Stadium against Lansing Ignite FC. Place your deposit for 2019 season tickets now at www.richmondkickers.com.

The Kickers will compete in the inaugural season of the 10-team USL League One, which includes Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, FC Tucson, Forward Madison FC, Greenville Triumph SC, Lansing Ignite FC, North Texas SC, Orlando City B, South Georgia Tormenta FC and Toronto FC II. The Kickers will face each team three times, with an additional meeting against one team.

Soccer Saturdays comprise the majority of the Kickers regular season home schedule, with 13 of 14 matches taking place on Saturdays. The one mid-week exception falls on Wednesday, October 2. Two matches, including the home opener on March 30, will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with the remainder of matches beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The regular season concludes at City Stadium Saturday, October 5 against Orlando City B. The top four teams will qualify for post season play with the final match of the postseason set to take place from October 17-21.

Additional details on broadcast and live streaming for the 2019 League One campaign will be revealed in 2019 as the league prepares for kickoff.

2019 Richmond Kickers Schedule

DAY	DATE	OPPONENT	TIME	VENUE
Saturday	March 30	LANSING IGNITE FC	5:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	April 6	TORMENTA FC	5:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	April 13	@ Lansing Ignite FC	7:00PM	Cooley Law School Stadium
Saturday	April 20	@ Greenville Triumph SC	7:00PM	Legacy Early College
Saturday	April 27	CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES SC	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	May 4	LANSING IGNITE FC	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	May 11	FC TUCSON	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	May 18	@ Greenville Triumph SC	7:00PM	Legacy Early College
Wednesday	May 22	@ Orlando City B	7:30PM	Montverde Academy
Saturday	June 1	NORTH TEXAS SC	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	June 8	@ FC Tucson	5:30PM	Kino Sports Complex
Saturday	June 15	CHATTANOOGA RED WOLVES SC	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	June 22	@ Tormenta FC	8:00PM	Erk Russell Park
Saturday	June 29	@ Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	7:00PM	David Stanton Field
Saturday	July 13	NORTH TEXAS SC	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	July 20	ORLANDO CITY B	7:00PM	City Stadium
Friday	July 26	@ Toronto FC II	4:00PM	BMO Training Grounds & Academy
Saturday	August 10	@ Forward Madison FC	6:00PM	Breese Stevens Field
Saturday	August 17	TORONTO FC II	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	August 24	@ Forward Madison FC	6:00PM	Breese Stevens Field
Saturday	August 31	@ Tormenta FC	8:00PM	Erk Russell Park
Saturday	September 7	GREENVILLE TRIUMPH SC	7:00PM	City Stadium
Tuesday	September 10	@ North Texas SC	TBD	Toyota Stadium
Saturday	September 14	FORWARD MADISON FC	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	September 21	@ FC Tucson	5:30PM	Kino Sports Complex
Saturday	September 28	@ Chattanooga Red Wolves SC	7:00PM	David Stanton Field
Wednesday	October 2	TORONTO FC II	7:00PM	City Stadium
Saturday	October 5	ORLANDO CITY B	7:00PM	City Stadium

Home Games at City Stadium in BOLD

USL League One Unveils 2019 Home Openers

TAMPA, Fla. – (Friday, December 7, 2018) – USL League One today announced the home openers for its inaugural 2019 regular season, with 10 teams set to play 28 games each from March 29-Oct. 6 before the League One Playoffs kick off the weekend of Oct. 11-13.

The Richmond Kickers will open the 2019 USL League One Season, Saturday, March 30 at 5:00 p.m. as they play host to Lansing Ignite FC at City Stadium.

The entire 2019 League One regular-season schedule will be released next week. The 2019 campaign will conclude the weekend of Oct. 4-6, and the playoffs will consist of four teams, with the final match of the postseason set to take place from Oct. 17-21.

HOME OPENERS

South Georgia Tormenta FC vs. Greenville Triumph SC, March 29 – 7 p.m.
North Texas SC vs. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, March 30 – 7 p.m.
Orlando City B vs. FC Tucson, March 30 – 7:30 p.m.
Richmond Kickers vs. Lansing Ignite, March 30 – 5 p.m.
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC vs. Forward Madison FC, April 6 – 7 p.m.
Greenville Triumph SC vs. Lansing Ignite FC, April 6 – 7 p.m.
FC Tucson vs. Toronto FC II, April 13 – 7:30 p.m.
Lansing Ignite FC vs. Richmond Kickers, April 13 – 7 p.m.
Forward Madison FC vs. Greenville Triumph SC, April 27 – 7 p.m.
Toronto FC II vs. FC Tucson, May 24 – 4 p.m.

Eccleston, Miller Selected to the VA State ODP 2003 Girls Team

Congratulations to Isabella Eccleston and Tallulah Miller, two Richmond Kickers players for being selected to the VA State ODP 2003 Girls team.

These players have had a remarkable season with the Richmond Kickers U16 Girls Elite team. In league play, the team finished 1st in the Virginia NPL with a record of 11 wins and 1 tie, scoring 56 goals and conceding just 3. The team were also crowned State Champions with an equally remarkable record, winning all four games without conceding a goal, including a 4-0 victory in the final. Eccleston and Miller have been instrumental in the team success and we are excited for their selection for the VA ODP State team.

Mid-Year Tryouts Scheduled for January 6

RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, November 15, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers will host a Player Identification Session for U9 through U14 boys and girls (players born 2005-2011) interested in joining RVA’s top travel program for the 2018 spring season on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 9:00-10:30AM at the club’s showcase sports complex, Ukrop Park (5300 Ridgedale Parkway).

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 travel teams.

Competing in the Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL), the Richmond Kickers’ U10-U12 teams emphasize 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. Geographically based 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.

Richmond Kickers U13-U14 Classic teams are members of the Virginia Soccer League (VSL) and compete against other teams from various clubs in the greater Richmond area as well as Southeast and Northern Virginia. Team tactics and various systems of play are introduced into the training program and players are encouraged to solve various problems within the context of the game or a particular situation on the field. Sessions are designed to create a fun and enjoyable environment for players that are passionate about the game.

Richmond Kickers U11-U14 Elite teams represent the most competitive teams within the RKYSC structure. These teams may be comprised of players from all RKYSC geographic areas with the intent of fielding the strongest possible team. The Elite team will select the top players in each age group beginning at the U11 age group. The majority of our U11 – U14 Elite teams compete in the Virginia NPL / VA Premier League (VAPL) and numerous prestigious tournaments. In the age groups where multiple Elite teams are formed, some of the teams compete either in the Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL) or the Virginia Soccer League (VSL).

Fees for the Kickers travel program 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 ($1,275 value).

Richmond Kickers Technical Staff

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 former Richmond Kickers pro player and 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.

Michael Burke, U11-U14 Technical Director, acts as the main technical point of contact for all of the Kickers U11 and U14 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.

To attend the Player Identification Session on January 6, players are encouraged to register now at www.richmondkickers.com, choosing the appropriate age group and the specific location that that interests you. For more information, please contact the Technical Director of your respective age group:

Ross MacKenzie, U9/U10: ross@https://www.richmondkickers.com or 804-644-5425 x 302
Michael Burke, U11-U14: burkemj804@gmail.com or 804-937-4024
Andy McIntosh, U15-U19 Girls: amcintosh@https://www.richmondkickers.com or 804-644-5425 x 306
Mark Stollsteimer, U15-U19 Boys: mstollsteimer@https://www.richmondkickers.com

Tournament Success

The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce successful tournament outings for several of our teams this weekend at the Capital Fall Classic, NCFC Junior Showcase and the Piedmont Shootout. Congratulations to all of the teams that competed!

Capital Fall Classic

U11 Boys Central – Champions

U13 Boys Central – Finalists

NCFC Junior Showcase

U11 Elite Boys – Finalists

U14 Elite Boys – Champions

Piedmont Shootout

U15 Girls South – Champions

Richmond Kickers Winter Camp

The Richmond Kickers Winter Camp for ages 7-14 gives players the opportunity to spend the holidays in a professional soccer environment with coaching from current and former pro players. Players will learn and develop pro soccer ideas, techniques, tactics and game play throughout the camp while relishing the opportunity to train with the pros!

Coaching Staff Confirmed:

Fred Owusu Sekyere – Richmond Kickers Professional Player, Richmond Kickers Technical Staff
Ross MacKenzie – USSF B License, Richmond Kickers Professional Player, Richmond Kickers Technical Staff
Sascha Görres – USSF A License, Richmond Kickers Assistant Head Coach
Mark Stollsteimer – NSCAA Premier, Richmond Kickers Technical Staff

If you have any questions about the camp, please contact Andy McIntosh and Fred Owusu Sekyere by CLICKING HERE.

U16 Girls Elite State Cup Champions

The Richmond Kickers are proud to announce the U16 Girls Elite team as State Champions. The girls progressed to the semi-final stages with convincing wins over CYA 03G Purple and Stafford Soccer Revolution 03G Blue to set up a tough game against VYS Phoenix ’03. It was another emphatic victory, a 3-0 win with two goals from Mackenzie Joly and one from Kailei Spencer as well as a stellar defensive shift to preserve the clean sheet. The girls took that momentum right into the championship game with another clean sheet and four more goals from Peyton Hudson, Grace Garrity and two more from Mackenzie. What a superb achievement – Richmond Kickers are proud of the girls and coach PJ O’Donnell!

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Kickers Re-Sign Braeden Troyer

Kickers Add Sutton as Vice President for Business Development and Marketing

Kickers Re-Sign Scott Thomsen