RICHMOND, VA – (Friday, January 23, 2009) – The Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club and Goochland United Soccer Association (GUSA) are pleased to announce a comprehensive club/player development alliance that will focus on increasing and enhancing player development opportunities for the Goochland and Western Henrico region. The partnership will cover several areas of club and player development including the sharing of resources for player development, marketing, tournaments, fields, technical staff and coaching education.
“We are excited to partner with GUSA. We believe this collaboration will enhance both organizations, helping both clubs achieve their goal of providing both affordable and quality soccer programming across the metropolitan area” comments Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club President Rob Ukrop. “We pride ourselves on collaborating with community clubs like GUSA that share the same passion for developing young people through the beautiful game. I look forward to working with GUSA.”
“Ten years ago we embarked on a mission to grow the beautiful game of soccer,” adds Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Vice President of Soccer Programs. “Our vision was for the Kickers to be the model for the future of US soccer. Our goal was to share our resources with all organizations and clubs in the region while developing a program structure that would be an inspiration for clubs both locally and nationally to aspire toward. Our partnership with GUSA is a positive development for youth soccer as we will now join forces to serve a region where our programs, services and instructors are in high demand.”
“GUSA is very excited about the new alliance with the Richmond Kickers,” advised Robert Dewar, the President of GUSA. “As a club our aim is to be able to offer the best opportunities for our players within the community. The Kickers understand those needs and has an impressive track record in assisting clubs to grow and to enhance the programs they offer. We believe that this relationship will have a very positive impact on the development of soccer players in Goochland County.”
The Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club is a 501-C3 non-profit organization that was formed in May 2000 when Eastern FC and Richmond United youth clubs joined forces with the Richmond Kickers Pro Club. Since then, the club has merged with programs in Midlothian, Ashland and Pocoshock.
Today over 4,000 soccer players participate in recreational programs sponsored by the Kickers and partner clubs; Midlothian Youth Soccer League, Ashland Youth Soccer League, City of Richmond Parks and Rec. and Goochland United Soccer Association. The Kickers travel program consists of 60 teams and over 900 players who compete in the US Soccer Academy Program, Super Y-League, VCCL and ADSL. The club was recently named as one of only 30 adidas Sports Marketing Clubs in the U.S... The club provides opportunities for all players of all abilities and unites soccer in the Central Virginia community. Benefits include economy of scale, consistency of coaching philosophy, professional administrative and coaching staff expertise, positive role models for youth players and a clear pathway from youth to pro for aspiring young players.
Goochland United Soccer Association is a non-profit, charitable organization devoted to promoting youth soccer in Goochland County. Since the club’s inception in 1998, the vision of GUSA is to afford young players the opportunity to participate in soccer at all levels, from those who may never have previously played, to those who just want to have fun to those who seek competitive games. The club strives to provide all players with the opportunity to develop their technical and tactical soccer skills in a safe and enjoyable environment. The 2000 US Census designated Goochland County as the population center of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Players are drawn primarily from Goochland County but also from neighboring locations such as Hanover County, Henrico County, Powhatan County, Louisa County, Fluvanna County and the City of Richmond.
