COMBINE FULL. REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
JANUARY 21-23, 2022 IN RICHMOND, VA
The Richmond Kickers are pleased to host a pro combine for eligible college seniors, qualified free agents and talented amateur players that are seeking a professional contract. Each session will invite a selected number of players to participate in three days of intense training and scrimmages at the Kickers state-of-the-art training facility, Ukrop Park, in Richmond, Virginia.
COVID-19 Protocols
- All non-vaccinated participants will be REQUIRED to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the January 21st combine start date.
- Fully-vaccinated participants are not required to submit a test, but fully-vaccinated participants must show proof of vaccination.
- Prior to each session, all participants will undergo a health screening/temperature check.
- Any players that are not actively participating at any given moment during the combine weekend will be required to wear a mask or face covering.
When
January 21st to 23rd, 2022
The combine will begin with registration, player meeting, technical session and small-sided games on Friday evening, with full-sided games scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
Schedule – January 21st, 22nd, and 23rd
Friday, January 21 – Check-in from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Session from 5:00 to 8:00pm
Saturday, January 22 – Session from 9:00 to 1:00pm
Sunday, January 23 – Session from 9:00 to 11:00am
Where
All training sessions will be held at the state-of-the-art home of the Richmond Kickers, Ukrop Park (5300 Ridgedale Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23234), in Richmond, Virginia. With five beautiful, natural grass fields and two lighted synthetic turf surfaces, Ukrop Park is one of the region’s top sports complexes and is conveniently located 15 minutes from Richmond International Airport.
Combine Fees
Take advantage of the early registration discounted rate of $150 per session. Application and payment must be postmarked on or before January 21, 2022. Registration fees increase to $200 on January 14, 2022. Registration fees are non-refundable and must be paid in advance, online only. No checks or cash will be accepted. No payments will be accepted on the day of the combine. The combine fee does not include lodging, transportation or meals.
Coaching Staff
Combine sessions will take place in front of the Kickers’ professional coaching staff, led by Sporting Director and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. The Kickers professional coaching staff is responsible for any final decisions regarding player contracts.
Past Combine Success
Attendance at the Richmond Kickers Player Combine is one of the best ways to ensure that a player’s complete soccer resume and professional evaluation is in front of key decision makers for the Richmond Kickers organization.
The Kickers have a history of success with the Pro Combine. Most recently, several members of the 2021 roster – including Chris Cole, Juan Pablo Monticelli, Austin Causey, and Sam Solomon as well as 2020 combine attendees Ian Antley, Mumbi Kwesele, and Stanley Alves – were discovered in our combine by our scouting and coaching staff.
Past combines have also produced such prominent players as 2016 USL Defender of the Year Finalist and All-League First Team Defender Hugh Roberts, 2013 USL Rookie of the Year Nate Robinson, Clyde Simms (New England Revolution, D.C. United and U.S. Men’s National Team), Ronnie Pascale (Three-time USL Goalkeeper of the Year), Tim Brown (New Zealand National Team) and Robert Ssejjemba (2006 USL MVP and Ugandan National Team).
Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky:
The combine provides us with an opportunity to see talent live and against high-level competition. We find players through this process each year and they make an impact in our professional team. We are looking forward to seeing quality players here in January.
Application Process
To register, complete an official application and submit it, along with the non-refundable registration fee, to the Richmond Kickers front office. Additional materials (video, media clippings, etc) may be submitted for review, but they are not required, nor will they be returned, so please do not send originals.
Space is Limited
The Richmond Kickers Player Combine accepts a limited number of players at each position to ensure that each player receives the maximum exposure to be effectively evaluated. If space is not available at your position, your registration fee will not be processed and you may opt to be placed on a waiting list. Refunds will not be granted for any other reason.
Combine Hotel
Courtyard Richmond West
Special Group Rate: $89 USD per night
Start Date: Friday, January 21, 2022
End Date: Sunday, January 23, 2022
Last Day to Book: Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Book your group rate for Richmond Kickers Pro Combine
Registration Deadline
Applications are reviewed and processed on a first come, first served basis and the combine rosters are filled accordingly. The Kickers encourage early registration to improve your chances of being accepted. All applicants will be notified via email so please include a legible email address on your application.
About the Kickers
The Kickers returned to their winning ways in 2020 and look to build on that success heading into the 2021 USL League One season.
Over the past 28 seasons, Richmond has qualified for postseason play 22 times, and made history with a monumental run to the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals in 2011. Perennial Championship contenders, the Kickers reached the title match in 2010 for the sixth time in the past nine campaigns, falling just short of the league title. Richmond’s seven previous league Championship appearances (1995, 1996, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009) include winning the Premier League title in 1995, a shoot-out loss to Seattle in the USL First Division final in 2005 and taking the USL Second Division crown twice against Charlotte in 2006 and 2009. In addition to on-field success, the Kickers have taken United Soccer Leagues Organization of the Year honors on five occasions (1995, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2009).
Questions?
Please email scouting@richmondkickers.com with any questions regarding the combine.