The Richmond Kickers Professional Soccer Club was established in 1993 as a member of the United Systems of Independent Soccer Leagues (USISL). While the USISL has gone through growing pains and name changes over the years, the Kickers remain a cornerstone of the ever-developing league. Several significant people have been a part of this organization, some as players, some as staff. All were essential to the Kickers becoming what they are today: a model for U.S. Soccer and a well-respected member of the United Soccer Leagues (USL).
Prior to the 2005 season, United Soccer Leagues announced that the organization and its member professional teams have restructured the two professional leagues, A-League and Pro Soccer League, under the USL umbrella to form a new two-tiered professional division.
The first two tiers of USL’s professional division will be officially referred to as the USL First Division and USL Second Division, eliminating the A-League name adopted by the then independent American Professional Soccer League in 1995.
Among the significant changes in place are the adoption of a single table by the USL Pro Divisions, and a primarily balanced schedule in which all teams will play each other home and away once, supplemented with an equal number of additional rivalry games. To further emphasize regular season excellence, the regular season champion will be awarded the Commissioner’s Cup, which was utilized by the APSL prior to the league’s merger with USL before the 1997 season. In the USL Second Division the top four team will advance to the playoffs and play a single elimination tournament to crown the champion.
USL Second Division Alignment (for 2008):
Bermuda Hogges
Charlotte Eagles
Cleveland City Stars
Crystal Palace USA - Baltimore
Harrisburg City Islanders
Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Real Maryland FC
Richmond Kickers
Western Mass Pioneers
Wilmington Hammerheads
In addition to the professional team, the Kickers established a youth league, a Super Y-League program, a PDL team (the Future) and a W-League team (the Destiny), following U.S. Soccer’s Theory of Vertical Integration. This philosophy focuses on professional teams giving back to the community and working with local youth players to develop them to the best of their ability not just as athletes – as individuals. Whether their goal is to become a future national team member, a professional athlete – or simply learn the sport and enjoy it recreationally – the professional team serves as the leader and pioneer in instruction and role modeling.
Mission:
The mission of the Richmond Kickers is to grow the beautiful game of soccer through a successful soccer club that entertains, invites community participation, and inspires all.
Vision
To serve as the model for the future of American soccer
- Encompass all areas of soccer
- Involve as many members of community as possible
Values
Golden Rule
Integrity and sportsmanship in everything we do.
Innovation
Seeking continuous education to work smarter and more effectively.
Excellence
A competitive passion that inspires our people as well as our community.
Teamwork
Diverse people focused on our vision.
Fun
An exciting and challenging environment.
