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. Past Kickers trials have produced such prominent players as:
Braeden Troyer (University of South Carolina) anchored the Kickers’ backline in 28 games during his debut season and recorded his first professional assist in the club’s 2-1 win over Toronto in September. Signing with the Kickers days before the start of the 2015 season, he impressed at the Kickers 2015 Pro Combine, earning his first contract out of the University of South Carolina.
Yudai Imura earned his first professional contract after 2015 Pro Tryouts. Quickly earning his spot on the starting lineup, he made 19 appearances this season and notched his first professional goal against Toronto FC II in August.
Nate Robinson (University of Detroit Mercy) was named 2013 USL PRO Rookie of the Year after impressing at the Kickers 2013 pro tryouts and signing with the team just 24 hours before the 2013 season opener. Leading the team in assists with nine through the regular season, adding a 10th assist during U.S. Open Cup play, the Novi, Michigan native contributed four goals in his debut season, finishing third on the team in scoring with 18 points overall.
Shane Johnson (Longwood University – Division I) was discovered at the Kickers 2012 tryouts. Making an immediate impact with the starting lineup the defender started all 22 games played in his debut season. Notching his first professional goal on June 1, the native of Ashburn, also contributed to eight shutouts.
Clyde Simms (East Carolina University- Division I) was identified and signed 
at the 2004 tryouts. In just over a year he had gone from trialist to Richmond Kickers to DC United of MLS to USA Men’s Full National Team.
Ronnie Pascale (Furman University- Division I) Selected at the 2000 tryout, Ronnie has been the Kickers starting Goalkeeper for the past 4 seasons. Career Highlights include 2006 USL2 Goalkeeper of the Year, 2006 USL2 Championship, as well as two other USL1 Championship Final appearances and 3 Team MVP awards.
Tim Brown (Cincinnati University- Division I) also identified at the 2004 tryouts and as well as playing in a USL Championship Final (2005) he went on to represent his country, New Zealand at the full international level. Brown will lead the New Zealand National Team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa this summer.
Sascha Gorres (UNC Pembroke- Division II) was identified at the 2005 tryout and quickly went on to establish himself as one of the top rookie players in the USL. He finished the 2005 season with a 30 yard tally in the USL Championship Final and was took the Kickers to the championship once again in 2006 but this time helping to achieve the win.
Robert Ssejjemba (Virginia Intermont –NAIA) The Ugandan native and current Ugandan National Team player made a giant impact for the 2006 USL 2 Champion Kickers team tallying 18 goals on the season, was awarded the USL 2 MVP award and earned a spot on DC United’s (MLS) 2006 playoff roster.
Kelvin Jones (Wake Forest University – Div I) was signed from the 2006 combine and made an immediate impact in the 2006 season for Richmond, earning respect throughout the league as one of the top defenders in the USL. At season’s end Kelvin was called up to DC United’s reserve team.
In franchise history, 22 players have progressed from the Richmond Kickers into Major League Soccer, including Mike Clark (Columbus Crew), Dwayne DeRosario (Houston Dynamo), Brian Kamler (D.C. United, Miami Fusion, New England Revolution), Brian Bates (Colorado Rapids, Dallas Burn), Scott Budnick (Miami Fusion, Tampa Bay Mutiny), Jeff Causey (New England Revolution, D.C. United), Ben Crawley (D.C. United), Ted Gillen (NY/NJ Metrostars), Gary Glasgow (Kansas City Wizards), Onandi Lowe (Kansas City Wizards), Mike McGinty (D.C. United), Mark Simpson (D.C. United), Todd Yeagley (Columbus Crew), Ihor Dotsenko (Kansas City Wizards), Rob Ukrop (New England Revolution), Richie Williams (D.C. United, NY/NJ Metrostars), David Testo (Columbus Crew), Clyde Simms (D.C. United), Joey Worthen (Real Salt Lake), Robert Ssejjemba (D.C. United), Ricky Schramm (New York Red Bulls) and Stanley Nyazamba (Columbus Crew).
