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LEE, OWUSU SEKYERE NAMED ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTORS

RICHMOND, VA – (Friday, March 16, 2018) – Former Richmond Kickers professional player Evan Lee, and current Kickers player Fred Owusu Sekyere, have been named Assistant Technical Directors with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club. 
 
In conjunction with the full-time Technical Staff, Lee and Owusu Sekyere will work alongside current Technical Staff members across all Kickers programs including ADP, U9/10, Elite, Classic, Futsal & Summer Camp programs.  They will be responsible for assisting with the club’s innovative and high-quality youth development programming and excellence in coaching, while providing the highest level of customer service and building upon the program’s unassailable reputation for success on and off the field.
 
“Owusu & Evan have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to inspire, motivate and educate our Kickers youth players,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer.  “Their energy, enthusiasm and passion to teach the next generation of soccer players will no doubt benefit the overall quality of our programs moving forward.”
 
Following the club’s rich tradition of transitioning former pro players into the full-time Technical Staff, Lee joins RKYSC following a one-season stint with the Kickers First Team.  Signing with the Kickers prior to the 2017 campaign, he made 20 appearances in Richmond, amassing over 750 minutes last season, while also coaching Kickers U11 and U12 Boys teams.  He spent his rookie season with Eastern Conference rivals FC Cincinnati in 2016.  
 
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Lee was named North Coast Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year at Ohio Wesleyan University in 2015 after backstopping the Battling Bishop defense that compiled nine shutouts and a 0.97 goals against average.  Also contributing offensively, he tallied three goals and seven assists as a Senior, twice earning All-Region, First-Team All-Ohio and First-Team All-NCAC honors.
 
Entering his fourth season with the Kickers First Team, Owusu Sekyere has acted as a coach within the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club since January 2015.  He made 25 appearances for the Kickers in 2017, contributing two goals and three assists and has amassed over 5,000 minutes in a Kickers uniform over three seasons.  A standout at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2006-2009, the Ghanaian midfielder previously made 28 appearances with the Charlotte Eagles in 2014.
 
Lee and Owusu Sekyere will support the club’s dedicated Technical Staff, which is led by Director of Soccer Leigh Cowlishaw, and also includes former Kickers pro player and ADP, U9/U10 Director, Ross MacKenzie, former Kickers pro player and U11-U14 Director, Michael Burke, U14-U19 Boys Director, Mark Stollsteimer, and U14-U19 Girls Director, Andy McIntosh.
 
Lee will begin his new position effective immediately and can be reached at evan@https://www.richmondkickers.com.  Owusu Sekyere will join the Technical Staff full-time for start of the fall season.
 

About Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club

Founded in 2000, the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club currently serves nearly 8,000 players ages 2-19 at convenient locations throughout the Greater Richmond area.  The Kickers provide opportunities for players of all abilities and unites soccer in the Central Virginia community while providing a clear pathway from youth to pro for aspiring young players.

KICKERS ADD THREE ON LOAN FROM D.C. UNITED

RICHMOND, VA – (Friday, March 16, 2018) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the return of goalkeeper Travis Worra and the additions of forwards Dane Kelly and Bruno Miranda on loan from the Kickers Official Major League Soccer (MLS) affiliate, D.C. United pending USL and USSF approval.
 
Now in his fourth season on loan to the Kickers, Worra comes into the season with a career GAA of 0.86 in a Richmond uniform. In 2017, he posted four shutouts in nine appearances with the Kickers, making 27 saves. He also earned his first career assist September 23, 2017 on the game-winning goal against the Rochester Rhinos. With United, he made 14 saves over five appearances in MLS in 2017. The University of New Hampshire product signed with United in 2015, after starting in 59 of 60 matches over his four-year collegiate career.
 
Earning both the USL Golden Boot and league MVP in 2017, Kelly signed with D.C. United on March 9, 2018. With Reno 1868 FC in 2017, the Jamaican international netted 18 goals, including back-to-back hat tricks against Phoenix Rishing FC on May 7, 2017 and against Seattle Sounders FC 2 on May 21, 2017. Kelly is also the USL’s all-time leading scorer after netting 56 goals and recording 14 assists in 138 total USL appearances. Prior to joining Reno 1868 FC, Kelly played for the Charleston Battery (2011-2015) and Swope Park Rangers (2016).
 
A member of the Bolivian National Team, Miranda joined D.C. United in August 2017 and made 5 substitute appearances. Before joining D.C. United, he broke into Club Universidad de Chile’s first team, making several appearances for one of Chile’s most successful franchises this spring en route to the club’s 2017 Clausura (Chilean spring season) victory. Miranda has been capped by the national team on three occasions with the first coming against the United States May 29, 2016.
 
Richmond opens the 2018 USL season this Sunday, March 18, as the team travels to Bethlehem Steel FC for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff. The match will be available to stream live online through the USL Match Center. The Kickers return to City Stadium for the Home Opener next Saturday night, March 24 as they host USL newcomers Indy Eleven for a 5:00 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available now at www.richmondkickers.com.
 
Experience the passion, excitement and authentic atmosphere at City Stadium with the Richmond Kickers 2018 season kicks off this spring. Richmond Kickers Season Ticket Benefits include 45-60% off match day prices, exclusive invitations, merchandise discounts and VIP benefits. Guaranteed to see all regular season, US Open Cup and playoff games for the best possible pricing, Kickers Season Tickets are a fantastic way to get together with friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable experience – order now!

NATIONAL TEAM STARS IN RVA SATURDAY

BOYDS, MD – (Wednesday, March 14, 2018) – Some of the world’s best players are coming to Richmond for the first time ever this Saturday, March 17 when the National Women’s Soccer League’s Washington Spirit hosts the defending regular season champions North Carolina Courage at City Stadium. The party starts at 5:30pm with live music by Spider Kelly, RVA food trucks and craft beer on tap before the game kicks off at 7pm with nearly 4,000 tickets already out for the historic match.  Tickets are on sale now at www.richmondkickers.com.
 
U.S. Women’s National Team players scheduled to appear in the game for Washington include: 2018 NWSL College Draft No. 1 pick Andi Sullivan, 2017 NWSL Rookie of the Year Ashley Hatch, defender Taylor Smith and forward Mallory Pugh.
 
U.S. Women’s National Team players scheduled to appear for North Carolina include: defender Abby Dahlkemper; midfielder McCall Zerboni; and forwards Crystal Dunn and Lynn Williams.
 
Washington also selected Canadian international defender/midfielder Rebecca Quinn with the No. 3 overall pick in the NWSL College Draft out of Duke University. With Quinn, the five U.S. internationals, as well as returning midfielders Yanara Aedo (Chile) and Estefania Banini (Argentina), and forward Francisca Ordega (Nigeria), the Spirit roster feature nine total players who are members of their respective national teams.
 
In addition, the Spirit returns several top performers from last season. Just a few of the team’s key returning players include: defender Estelle Johnson, who was named to the NWSL Team of the Month twice in 2017; midfielder Havana Solaun, who scored five goals and led the team with four assists in her first season with the club; and midfielder Meggie Dougherty Howard, who led the team in passing as a rookie.
 
Midfielder Tori Huster, the longest tenured Spirit player, enters her sixth season with the club after joining in 2013 ahead of the inaugural NWSL season. Six other players: Johnson, Ordega, goalkeeper Kelsey Wys, defenders Whitney Church and Caprice Dydasco, and midfielderJoanna Lohman are each entering their fourth seasons in Washington.
 
“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring the NWSL to Richmond’s historic City Stadium,” said Spirit Head Coach and General Manager Jim Gabarra. “We look forward to hosting such a quality side in the Courage and are sure all that attend will be treated to an entertaining match.”
 
“We are thrilled that the Kickers’ new long-term lease for City Stadium now allows the club to attract high profile events year-round,” commented Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “The Courage and Spirit rosters are comprised of numerous national team players who have represented their countries on the international stage and this is a fantastic opportunity for the RVA community to see many of the world’s best players right here at City Stadium. We are delighted to collaborate with the Washington Spirit, North Carolina Courage, and Richmond Strikers to bring this world-class match to Richmond.”
 
In partnership with the Richmond Strikers, the match was planned to serve as the marquee game during this weekend’s prestigious Jefferson Cup Girls Weekend, a major economic impact event for the RVA region each spring, which hosts to more than 5,000 players and 350 participating teams.
 
The game will provide youth players in town for the Jefferson Cup – and fans from throughout the Richmond area – with the opportunity to watch some of the best professional players in the world, including multiple U.S. Women’s National Team members and other international stars.

RVACCESS SUCCESS

Original Article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch

By Ali Foley Shenk

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or girl, as long as the baby is healthy.” While expecting our second child, we repeated this often-heard sentiment – and meant it. Then our son Dean was born and was found to have a rare genetic disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome. He wasn’t healthy.

When you have a child with special needs, you find yourself reassessing your goals for them. We wanted Dean to be happy, as we do all of our children, but we knew his sense of belonging in this world would be more important than ever. As he grows, we’ve found that sometimes this means we have to help integrate Dean into more mainstream activities, and sometimes this means finding an environment where he is “safe” being with other kids with special needs.

We found out about RVAccess (then TOPSoccer) when Dean was 3. I filled out the form to register him for the program and was presented with the question: “What are your goals for your child while in this program?”

Well, I thought, it would be great if he learned to dribble a soccer ball, score goals, improve his endurance – but really, I want to see his confidence grow and see him develop meaningful connections with others in this environment. Remember, he might not be healthy, but he certainly could be happy. He could belong – hopefully.

We arrived at the first session and quickly realized that everyone involved in RVAccess is happy to be a part of the experience. Coaches Leon Brownlee and Carter Blair exude pure joy to see the kids show up and achieve whatever their specific goals are. It’s a magical place. Athletes (yes, they are referred to as athletes, because they are) do not need to have any particular skills or abilities, and the program is provided at no cost to families through the generosity of private donors and financial grants. For families who are used to large out-of-pocket costs, endless applications, and looming approvals, RVAccess lives up to its name in more ways than one.

The athletes with special needs are paired up with buddies from the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer program (athletes can also participate in scrimmages with buddies mixed in for a group of kids). When possible, each athlete stays with the same buddy from week to week, as that consistency and depth of relationship are especially important for these kids. I expected it would be a positive experience for Dean to have an older kid as a partner to play with, but I frankly didn’t expect much more than that. Instead, one of the biggest blessings of our life is that Dean was paired up with Ben Hazelton, who was then 11. Ben and Dean have a bond that is like no other, with complete admiration and acceptance of each other. They look forward to seeing each other at each session and have their own jokes, games, and routines with each other. Regardless of what’s gone on that week, Dean comes to RVAccess and is all in. The world moves at such a fast pace, and RVAccess moves at Dean’s pace. For Dean and for us, RVAccess is home. I cannot emphasize enough what a joy and respite it is to have a place where your child with special needs is thriving and you can relax in that. You can see it in the other parents’ faces. They know their child has a home there, too.

We lament the end of each RVAccess session and await the email for the next; we sign up without a second thought. Those original goals for Dean’s happiness and having a place to belong have been met and continue to be met in this program. We give thanks to all who make this program possible.

Visit https://www.richmondkickers.com/RVAccess to learn more.

This feature is one in a series about the Richmond Region’s nonprofit organizations and their contributions to our communities.

It is brought to you by the featured organization in collaboration with the sponsoring advertiser on this page.

KICKERS ANNOUNCE TRIO OF PLAYER SIGNINGS

RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, March 12, 2018) – In a sweeping move to bolster the squad prior to the 2018 season opener, the Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce a trio of player signings with the return of defender Scott Thomsen as well as the addition of NASL veteran midfielder Neil Hlavaty and rookie midfielder Koby Osei-Wusu, pending USL and USSF approval.
 
Thomsen returns to Richmond after making nine appearances when he signed for the Kickers mid-season in 2016, contributing one goal and one assist on route to the 2016 USL Playoffs.  Following the 2016 season, he joined Orlando City B where he made 15 appearances.
 
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.
 
Richmond newcomer Neil Hlavaty brings a wealth of professional experience to Richmond, signing with the Kickers following a year with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.  Previously, he spent the 2015 season with North Carolina FC, amassing 2,420 minutes and tallying four goals and two assists. 
 
The Berwyn, Illinois native had stints overseas at Swedish club Östers and Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok, before returning to the U.S. and signing for Minnesota United in 2010.  After three seasons in Minnesota, which included a NASL Championship title in 2011 and a NASL Championship appearance in 2012, he joined FC Edmonton for the 2013 season, and made a total of 51 appearances in two seasons, finishing with five goals and seven assists.  Hlavaty began his professional career out of Boston University in 2008 with the now defunct USL side Cleveland City Stars where he led the team to the USL-2 title his only season with the club.
 
Following a successful preseason trial with the Kickers that produced three goals in five matches, Osei-Wusu signed his first professional contract this week.  He recently concluded a standout career at George Washington University. Making 63 appearances with the Colonials over four seasons, the native of Bowie, Maryland amassed more than 3,000 minutes while contributing four goals and seven assists.
 
Hlavaty, Osei-Wusu, and Thomsen join 20 players currently under contract including Sam Bacon, Matt Bolduc, Heviel Cordovés, Kent Dickey, Giuseppe Gentile, Raul Gonzalez, Yudai Imura, Alex Lee, Luiz Fernando, Fred Owusu Sekyere, Mallan Roberts, Conor Shanosky, Brian Shriver, Trevor Spangenberg, Braeden Troyer, Oscar Umar, Mekeil Williams, Finnlay Wyatt, Austin Yearwood and William Yomby.
 
Experience the passion, excitement and authentic atmosphere at City Stadium with the Richmond Kickers 2018 season kicks off this spring. Richmond Kickers Season Ticket Benefits include 45-60% off match day prices, exclusive invitations, merchandise discounts and VIP benefits. Guaranteed to see all regular season, US Open Cup and playoff games for the best possible pricing, Kickers Season Tickets are a fantastic way to get together with friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable experience – order now!

KICKERS, UNITED EXTEND AFFILIATION

RICHMOND, VA — (Friday, March 9, 2018) — The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce they have extended their affiliation agreement with D.C. United of Major League Soccer through the 2018 season. This is the sixth year of the clubs’ partnership in conjunction with the in 2013 agreement forged by Major League Soccer and the USL.
 
“We are delighted to add one more year to our long-standing partnership and affiliation,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Director of Soccer. “We look forward to adding quality players with MLS experience to our 2018 squad.”
 
Separated by a little over 100 miles, D.C. United and the Richmond Kickers have worked closely to organize loan spells for nearly two decades before officially affiliating prior to the 2013 season. Just last season, four current players from D.C. United featured for the Kickers, including Travis Worra, Chris Durkin, Chris Odoi-Atsem and Jalen Robinson. 
 
Through the extended arrangement with the Kickers, United will once again send a minimum of four first-team players on long-term loans to Richmond, assignments which will be announced at a later date.
 
“We are extremely excited to extend our partnership with the Richmond Kickers for a sixth season,” Dave Kasper, United general manager and VP of soccer operations, said. “They have been fantastic partners who provide a professional environment and have been instrumental in helping our players to develop as professionals while out on loan.”
 
Since the affiliation became official in 2013, players who have featured with the Kickers on loan include Miguel Aguilar, Steven Birnbaum, Alex Caskey, Paul Clowes, Chris Durkin, Andrew Dykstra, Christiano Francois, Charlie Horton, Jared Jeffrey, Alhaji Kamara, Taylor Kemp, Eric Klenofsky, Chris Korb, Collin Martin, Luke Mishu, Chris Odoi-Atsem, Kyle Porter, Jalen Robinson, Michael Seaton, Conor Shanosky, Maxim Tissot, Casey Townsend, Ethan White, Joe Willis and Travis Worra. 
 
Over the past two decades, 42 D.C. United players have played with the Richmond Kickers, with the roster of players including 2011 Major League Soccer MVP Dwayne De Rosario, Mike Burke, Jeff Causey, Ben Crawley, Brian Kamler, Mike McGinty, Mark Simpson, Clyde Simms, Robert Ssejjemba and Richie Williams. Players who have featured with the Kickers on loan include Miguel Aguilar, Steven Birnbaum, Brian Carroll, Alex Caskey, Paul Clowes, Chris Durkin, Andrew Dykstra, John DiRaimondo, Christiano Francois, Charlie Horton, Jared Jeffrey, Alhaji Kamara, Taylor Kemp, Eric Klenofsky, Chris Korb, Justin Mapp, Collin Martin, Andy Metcalf, Luke Mishu, Bryan Namoff, Chris Odoi-Atsem, Anthony Peters, Kyle Porter, Jalen Robinson, Michael Seaton, Conor Shanosky, Long Tan, Maxim Tissot, Casey Townsend, Ethan White, Joe Willis and Travis Worra.
 

Experience the passion, excitement and authentic atmosphere at City Stadium with the Richmond Kickers 2018 season kicks off this spring. Richmond Kickers Season Ticket Benefits include 45-60% off match day prices, exclusive invitations, merchandise discounts and VIP benefits. Guaranteed to see all regular season, US Open Cup and playoff games for the best possible pricing, Kickers Season Tickets are a fantastic way to get together with friends, family and colleagues for an unforgettable experience – order now!

VIDEO: 1995 U.S. OPEN CUP FINAL

The Richmond Kickers won the prestigious 1995 U.S. Open Cup Final Sunday, August 27, 1995 in El Paso, TX. Kickers legend Rob Ukrop gave the Kickers the lead in the 50th minute to go up 1-0, assisted by current Kickers head coach and Director of Soccer, Leigh Cowlishaw. El Paso tied the game up with just 10 minutes remaining in regulation. After extra time, the final was decided on penalties, with the Kickers coming out victorious, 4-2. 

Relive the entire 1995 U.S. Open Cup final here:

BRUNNER NAMED ECNL DIRECTOR

RICHMOND, VA – (Monday, March 5, 2018) –  Richmond United formally welcomes Aaron Brunner as the recently appointed ECNL Director.  He previously served as the Richmond Strikers and Richmond United ECNL Director of Operations and as the Head Coach for several ECNL teams. Aaron holds a US Soccer “A”, US Soccer National Youth, US Soccer National Youth and a US Soccer Instructors licenses.

Currently, Aaron is the ECNL National Player Development Program (PDP) Director, Regional PDP Director, and a ECNL National Training Camp Staff Coach. He is also the head coach for the U14 and U17 Richmond United ECNL teams.  Aaron has helped catapult the opportunities for Richmond United players in the college game. His track record and assistance for players to gain placement and receive scholarships at some of the top NCAA program in the state, region, and country is tremendous.

Richmond United ECNL has also elevated seven players into US Soccer Youth National teams, training camps, International Friendlies, CONCACAF Championships, and a U17 Women’s World Cup. Multiple players from Richmond United have represented Richmond United at the ECNL National Training Camps in Portland, OR.

Aaron also worked with US Soccer as a player identification scout for the U14, U15, and U17 US Soccer Women’s National Teams as well as an opponent scout for the U15 and U17 US Soccer Women’s National teams. Aaron was the Head Coach and State Liaison for the U.S. Soccer Training Centers in Virginia from 2015-2017 and received his US Soccer Coaching Education Instructor License (1st Class) in 2017.

In 2003, Aaron joined Prince William Soccer to create and direct the youth development system.  During the 10 years at PWSI, the U6-U12 programming produced (8) US Soccer YNT / Pool Players who would eventually participate in U14, U15, and U17 National Teams. These developments led him to the honor of being named the 2009 US Youth Soccer Boys’ Competitive Youth National Coach of the Year.

In 2000, Aaron earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire.  Aaron was a four-year starter for the UNH Wildcats and post college he played for the New Hampshire Phantoms in the USL.

Aaron is married to Kristin and they reside in Richmond, VA with their two children, Owen (7) and Sophie (6).

About Richmond United

Established in 2014, Richmond United is a collaborative program between the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers, designed to serve the most talented male and female players in the region.  The joint venture joined Central Virginia’s top two girls and boys programs into a developmental powerhouse that complete on the national stage under the philosophy of Inspire, Unite, Achieve. Competing in the Elite Clubs National League, the Richmond United girls play on the highest platform for youth female soccer players and teams. Competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the Richmond United Boys play in the highest conference in the country alongside Major League Soccer teams including Philadelphia Union, New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.

GRRES NAMED ACADEMY DIRECTOR

RICHMOND, VA – (Thursday, March 1, 2018) – Former Kickers professional player and current First Team Assistant Coach, Sascha Görres, has been named Richmond United Academy Director.  In conjunction with the full-time Academy coaching staff, Görres will oversee the management of the Academy including the development of the Richmond United Academy Player Development Philosophy, Style of Play and Development Plan, while ensuring that Richmond United continuously works towards achieving its established objectives, mission and vision.
 
Görres has been coaching with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club and Richmond United Academy for 12 years and recently earned the prestigious USSF A-Youth License. Most recently, he acted as Academy Administrator, managing all of the day-to-day operations and communications of the club.
 
“I’m extremely honored to have been appointed Richmond United’s new Academy Director,” commented Görres.  “I have coached and played in Richmond for over 10 years at all levels and am a true believer in player development and the vision of Richmond United.  I am excited for the opportunity to continue supporting the region’s most talented players in achieving their goals.”
 
Bringing more than a decade of professional soccer experience to Richmond United, Görres made 281 appearances with the Richmond Kickers.  A two-time USL All-League First Team honoree, two-time USL All-League Second Team honoree and 2008 USL Defender of the Year Finalist, he holds the franchise record for most consecutive games played (107) and resides in second place on the club’s all-time career assists list with 53 and in sixth place on the all-time career points list with 87. 
 
A native of Flensburg, Germany, Görres has a Diploma in Business Informatics from Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, as well as a Management degree from the University of North Carolina – Pembroke.  Inducted into the UNCP Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013, he was a NCAA Division II First Team All-American. One of only two All-Americans to play for UNCP, Görres holds the single season assists record with 19 (2003) and the career assists record with 28.
 
Görres will continue to work alongside a dedicated full-time coaching staff, which includes Don Hughes and former Kickers professional players David Bulow, Michael Callahan, and Adrian Clewlow.
 

About Richmond United

Established in 2014, Richmond United is a collaborative program between the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers, designed to serve the most talented male and female players in the region.  The joint venture joined Central Virginia’s top two girls and boys programs into a developmental powerhouse that complete on the national stage under the philosophy of Inspire, Unite, Achieve.  Competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the Richmond United Boys play in the highest conference in the country alongside Major League Soccer teams including Philadelphia Union, New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.

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