Written by Will Ridgard
Drew Romig is grateful for the confidence the Richmond Kickers have helped him gain.
The 18-year-old University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill student, who started with the Kickers at U9, spent the majority of the 2015 season as the backup goalkeeper with the Richmond Kickers pro team. He made his professional debut against English Premier League side West Bromwich Albion in July 2015.
“I have played for the Richmond Kickers for as long as I can remember,” said Romig, who was born in Midlothian and attended St.Christopher’s School prior to his move to Chapel Hill.
“While growing up most of my time was spent coming and going from sporting events. I started playing travel soccer for the Richmond Kickers at U9 and was able to play up a few age groups.
“Playing with older kids allowed me to develop at a much quicker pace. My love for soccer grew when I was exposed to the academy system, which offered better and more intense competition.”
And that competition certainly intensified before the start of the 2015 USL season as Romig, just 16 at the time, received a call-up to participate in training and later sign an Academy contract as backup goalkeeper for the first team.
“As a 16-year-old high school student, I was nervous at first, but my nerves quickly turned into excitement,” he said.
“I have always looked to challenge myself as a soccer player, and the opportunity gave me motivation to develop and prove myself each and every day.
“Anything new can be uncomfortable at first, but after regularly training with the professional team, I gained confidence in myself that allowed me to perform at a higher level.
“Although the pace of play was much quicker and players’ shots were much harder, my comfort zone began to widen. This is not to say there were no setbacks along the way, but despite my frequent failures, I was able to pick myself up and keep going.”
Romig was more than 20 years younger than some of his peers, but this didn’t seem to be much of a barrier as he explains: “I would like to think that everyone viewed me as just another part of the team.
“This sense of acceptance allowed me to be held accountable to the same set of standards as everyone else. When I made a good play, it was recognized. Likewise, when I made a bad play, the team would let me know.
“The transition was extremely valuable because it highlighted portions of my game which needed work and allowed me to improve exponentially.”
Alongside Sawyer Gaffney, Simon Fitch, and Chris Durkin, Romig is just one of a number of Academy success stories experiencing first team involvement, and he couldn’t be more thankful.
“I can say nothing but good things about the Richmond Kickers organization, and I am extremely grateful for the club’s impact on my soccer career,” continued Romig.
“This club is like a family and all the coaches and staff involved genuinely care about a player’s development. Their investment into young players is unparalleled to anything I have seen and something I am extremely grateful to have experienced.”
Romig was included in the matchday squad on numerous occasions during the 2015 season, and although he never appeared in a league match, his big moment came as a late substitute against West Brom.
“The game against West Brom is one I will never forget,” said the youngster.
“Playing my first game at the professional level against a Premier League team was not what I expected, but definitely a dream come true.”
And Romig’s dreams are big.
“I have aspirations to play soccer as far as my abilities may take me,” he said. “Whether that be the MLS or somewhere overseas, I will continue to pursue my dream of becoming a professional soccer player.”
Currently part of UNC men’s soccer team while seeking a Business degree, Romig is looking to grow and develop his game before seeing where it takes him.
