RICHMOND, VA – (Friday, January 24, 2014) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the launch of the Hispanic Outreach Program, presented by Ashley Furniture, Integrity Heating and Air, Chicken Fiesta, Cross Border Productions, Copa Libertadores, and Resource Workforce. Designed to introduce comprehensive programming to strengthen the Kickers relationship within the Hispanic community, the initiative will kick off in March 2014.
“The Richmond Kickers have always had an important footprint within the Latin American population in RVA,” commented Santiago Lucio, Richmond Kickers Program Coordinator. “Soccer is a very important part of Latin American culture so we believe committing more resources and energy to engage the community makes perfect sense. We have been delighted with the response and support we have received thus far and are incredibly enthusiastic about the opportunity. We believe this is only the beginning of what we can accomplish.”
Through the generous support of the founding sponsors, the initial launch of the Hispanic Outreach Program will include a full Spanish section on www.richmondkickers.com, a clinic series, and a close collaboration with the longest standing Adult Hispanic League in Richmond, Copa Libertadores.
“We are excited to work with the Richmond Kickers and the rest of partners in launching this program,” stated Jack Moehling, Jr., Owner of Ashley Furniture HomeStores of Richmond. “We have always believed that participating in sports is extremely beneficial to children. It teaches valuable lessons about teamwork, dealing with success and failure, and leadership development. Because of those benefits and many more, we are excited to participate in a program that brings the opportunity to play sports to more children in the communities that we serve.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to work with the Richmond Kickers and be part of this exciting initiative,” added Sergio Rodriguez, President of Integrity Heating and Air. “We feel strongly that this program will have a positive impact in the Hispanic Community.”
The program allows the Kickers to provide additional opportunities for youth and adults alike within the Hispanic community. By launching an “En Espanol” section on www.richmondkickers.com, the Kickers are enabling users to engage with the club on more levels than ever before, while youth soccer registration events and the Copa Libertadores clinic series at Ukrop Park will provide participants additional access to recreational and travel programming.
“We have been discussing the possibility of teaming up with the Kickers for a youth clinic series for some time and to see this become a reality is tremendous,” commented Alberto Varela, President of the Copa Libertadores Hispanic Soccer League. “We have been working with the Kickers for years and are excited about taking our relationship to the next level.”
About Ashley Furniture HomeStores of Richmond
Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. is the largest furniture manufacturer in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Established in 1945, Ashley offers one of the industry’s largest product assortments to retail partners in over 120 countries. From design through fulfillment, Ashley continuously strives to provide the best product at the best prices accompanied by the best service in the industry. For more information on Ashley Furniture and its products, visit ashleyfurniturehomestore.com.
About Copa Libertadores
Copa Libertadores is the premier Hispanic adult soccer league in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 2004, Copa Libertadores conducts three seasons annually with more than 40 teams and reaches over 1,500 players each year. Learn more about Copa Libertadores and register for their upcoming season at www.richmondkickers.com/espanol.
About the Richmond Kickers
Established in 1993, the Richmond Kickers have consistently been one of the most successful professional soccer clubs in America. Over the past 20 seasons, Richmond has qualified for postseason play 18 times, making eight Championship appearances while earning three league titles (1995, 2006, 2009). Today, over 8,000 soccer players participate in programs sponsored by the Richmond Kickers and partner clubs. The Kickers provide opportunities for players of all abilities and unites soccer in the Central Virginia community while providing a clear pathway from youth to pro for aspiring young players.
