Team proudly partners with RVAccess who serves Richmond’s special needs soccer community
RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, July 17, 2023) – The Richmond Kickers are excited to unveil their newest limited-run third kit showcasing RVAccess, Richmond’s special needs soccer program. Created in 2013, RVAccess runs a cost-free special needs soccer program at City Stadium and Collegiate School.
A portion of proceeds from every jersey sold will go to the RVAccess program to help offset the cost of equipment allowing for more children to participate in this cost-free program. The custom gray and pink Mi Competition 21 jersey from Adidas matches the colors of the RVAccess logo that is the front of jersey “sponsor”. The jersey also features custom pink sponsor logos for existing jersey partners Bon Secours (back of jersey), Prospect Blue (sleeve of the jersey), and Nightingale Ice Cream (back of the collar).
The RVAccess kit will serve as the Kickers’ alternate jersey for the remainder of the 2023 season, with the jersey making its debut when the Kickers host Comunicaciones FC of Guatemala on July 18th, the Kickers’ first international friendly at City Stadium since the 2018 season.
Tickets for the international friendly are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.
The team will again wear the jersey when it celebrates Youth Soccer and RVAccess Night presented by the Richmond Times-Dispatch during their match on Saturday, August 19th against North Carolina FC.
This marks the second time since 2021 that the Kickers have partnered with a local organization that supports community youth through sport. Previously, the Kickers featured the First Tee – Greater Richmond as the front-of-jersey sponsor on the alternate kit, highlighting their great work in the community through the game of golf.
“We are thrilled to highlight the wonderful work that Carter Yeisley and her team of RVAccess volunteers does in our local special needs soccer community,” Richmond Kickers Chairman and CEO, Rob Ukrop said. “We believe that soccer brings people together, and it is heartwarming to see our local youth community volunteering their time and sharing their love of the game with our RVAccess athletes, creating life-long friendships in the process.”
Through the generosity of community supporters like CarMax, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, Collegiate School, countless individual donors, and hundreds of youth volunteers, RVAccess is a cost-free program, offering a fun, challenging, and exciting way for athletes of all abilities to play the game they love.
Each session is tailored to the individuals’ needs ranging from fun activities to small-sided games where athletes are partnered with a Buddy (youth volunteer) to work one-on-one. Using an assortment of large and small soccer balls, hula-hoops, and cones, the athlete learns soccer skills in an engaging and supportive group environment.
“We are so excited to partner with the Richmond Kickers to not only be featured on their new jersey but also to provide an inclusive soccer program for kids with special needs,” RVAccess Director, Carter Yeisley said.
“The Kickers do an amazing job embracing the impact they can have in the community and we are thrilled they are highlighting RVAccess. Soccer is a universal game and we love being able to make it even more accessible to all. The joy it brings to our families each week is remarkable and we love being part of a community that supports us.”
Fans can now purchase and customize their RVAccess jersey at the club’s new official online storefront at shoprichmondkickers.com.
The RVAccess program is part of the local non-profit, RVA Sports Foundation. To help make a difference in a child’s life by bringing RVAccess to players throughout the Greater Richmond area, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Head to richmondkickers.com/rvaccess for more information!
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