Richmond, VA – (Tuesday, January 22, 2008) – The Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club and the Poseidon Swimming Foundation today announced plans to build a state-of-the-art sports complex in Chesterfield County featuring six new athletic fields and a full-scale aquatics center. The new complex will allow both organizations to continue using athletics to teach life skills, teamwork, and character development. The complex will be located at the intersection of Chippenham Parkway and Route 10. Construction is expected to begin in June 2008.
“This complex will provide an opportunity for area youth to learn life skills through sports,” states Dale District supervisor Jim Holland. “The partnership between the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club and Poseidon Swimming is a terrific example of collaboration, highlighting the importance of teamwork both on and off the field.”
The Richmond Kickers’ new athletic fields will have a combination of grass and artificial surfaces. The lighted facility will become the home of the Richmond Kickers, allowing the Kickers to continue serving its membership and the surrounding communities.
“The Richmond Kickers are committed to providing a soccer experience for all young people, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Rob Ukrop, President of the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club. “Kids experience the beautiful game of soccer while also learning valuable life skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline. This state-of-the-art complex will allow our club and Poseidon to continue serving our community while showcasing the Richmond region as a destination for top-level sporting events.”
Poseidon’s aquatics center, which will allow the Richmond region to host state, regional and national level swimming competitions on a year-round basis, will house a 50-meter world-class competition pool, a 25-yard warm water pool and seating for more than 850 spectators. The aquatics center will provide numerous opportunities to Richmond-area residents, including learn-to-swim programs, water safety, aquatic sports and competitive swimming. The Poseidon Swimming organization, now headquartered in Midlothian with approximately 260 swimmers, will double its membership upon completion of the new center.
The Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club was established in 2000 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The Kickers youth program serves nearly 4,000 youth, including more than 60 travel teams and 3,000 youngsters involved in recreational programs and Kickers affiliates. In addition, the travel program includes membership in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, a national program that develops the best young soccer talent in the country.
Poseidon Swimming Inc. was established in 1989, also as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. It is a member of the USA Swimming organization. The Poseidon Foundation is leading the development and fundraising efforts for the aquatics center.
