Team Announcements

The trio to pursue professional development to enhance their youth coaching experience in RVA

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to share that defender Dakota Barnathan, forward Luke Pavone and midfielder Nil Vinyals were accepted to the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Pro B Coaching License course.

The USSF B License course is designed for coaches involved with teams at the U13 level or higher. During the course, applicants will develop leadership and coaching skills that involve game model creation, team and individual player performance analysis, and more.

Barnathan and Vinyals currently coach with Richmond United and Pavone coaches with Richmond Kickers Youth. The three players were waived straight into the B coaching course because of their numerous years of professional playing experience and their aptitude coaching in highly competitive youth environments.

Their acceptance into the coaching program further exemplifies the Kickers pro team’s commitment to building a cohesive player development pathway in the area by providing professional development opportunities for pro players who work to grow the game in Richmond both on the pitch and on the touchline.

Defender Dakota Barnathan said:    

“I’m thrilled to embark on this journey of professional growth and deepen my knowledge of the game. My gratitude goes out to the Richmond Kickers, with special appreciation for the unwavering support of Mika Elovaara and Ray Smetanick throughout this process.”

Midfielder Luke Pavone said:

“I’m super excited to be accepted into the B license course. I’m very thankful for the opportunity as I’ve been coaching for 12 years now and will be able to learn from the best in the country. To share the experience with a few teammates and meet other pro players along the way who share the love of coaching that I do will be a very special experience. As US youth soccer continues to evolve, coaching methodology does as well, and I’m ecstatic to gain more knowledge on how to aid the development of young athletes.” 

Midfielder Nil Vinyals said:

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to keep growing within my profession and further expand my understanding of the game. Thank you to the Richmond Kickers for the help throughout the process, especially to Mika Elovaara and Ray Smetanick for their unconditional support.”

Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer said:

“We support the players in our club on their coaching journey, and we are excited that they were accepted on the ‘B’ course. We wish them all the best as they chase more knowledge of the game and bring that information back into our environment.”

Mika Elovaara, Richmond United Technical Director and Richmond Kickers’ Head Assistant Coach and Director of Methodology and Player Development said:

“I am thrilled that Luke, Nil and Dakota got accepted to the USSF B course. They are all role models on and off the field, and becoming more educated as a coach while still active as pro players helps them give more back to the community. I am grateful and proud to be part of an organization that invests into its people and their development, and this is a very tangible example of that.” 

The Kickers return home for their season finale on Saturday, Oct. 14 to host Central Valley Fuego FC during Fan Appreciation Night presented by the FeedMore. The doors at City Stadium are set to open at 4:45 p.m. ahead of the 6 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

For just a yearly subscription of $35, fans unlock up to 50% off their tickets, 15% savings on Kickers’ swag, and more with a Kickers+ Membership! This steal of a deal pays for itself after your first four (4) purchased tickets. Become a member and start saving today! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/kickersplus.

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at RichmondKickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!

McGinley will serve as the primary media contact for Richmond’s W League Team and secondary media contact for the Richmond Kickers pro team

RICHMOND, Va. – W League RVA and the Richmond Kickers are pleased to share the hire of Mannion McGinley as the teams’ new Manager of Communications and Digital Media.

McGinley will serve as the primary media contact for Richmond’s USL W League team that kicks off in Spring 2024. She will also serve as the secondary media contact for the Richmond Kickers’ professional team that plays in USL League One.

Additionally, she will create online and social media content for the teams’ various platforms.

A recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame with majors in American Studies and Sociology and a minor in Journalism, McGinley served as Managing Editor and Sports Editor for The NDSMC Observer – Notre Dame’s independent student newspaper – over the last two years. 

She also served as the SheBelieves communications intern with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

For media inquiries related to W League RVA and the Richmond Kickers, McGinley can be reached at mannion@richmondkickers.com.

Stay tuned to the W League Richmond social channels on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Twitter for more updates ahead of kickoff in 2024 including technical staff, branding, jerseys, and more!

Mannion McGinley said:    

“I am beyond grateful and excited to be joining the Kickers and Richmond’s W League team. Thank you to Rob, Camp and Nathan for this incredible opportunity. I can’t wait to help make Richmond’s women’s soccer dreams into a reality and to help both teams thrive in the coming seasons.” 

Camp Peery, Richmond Kickers’ President and Chief Operating Officer said:

“As we continue to grow as a club, expanding our staff by bringing in hard working, high character people is a top priority – Manni fits this bill perfectly.  We are beyond excited to welcome her to Richmond and we can’t wait to share more updates with our community about the W League Team in the coming months.” 

Nathan Heintschel, Richmond Kickers’ Director of Communications and Digital Media said:

“We’re incredibly excited to have Manni join our award-winning communications department here in Richmond. Her experience working with US Soccer along with her coverage of one of the country’s most famous collegiate athletics departments speaks for itself. She has already hit the ground running in assisting with the Kickers’ first team, and I can’t wait to see how she shapes the voice and visibility of our W League team that kicks off in 2024.”

About The USL W League

The USL W League is a leader in pre-professional soccer in North America, developing the next generation of women’s talent both on and off the field. The USL W League strives to use women’s soccer as a force for societal good by creating a national platform to increase opportunity, gender equity, and career development. The League and its member clubs are committed to investing in women’s soccer – through not only financial resources but also with time, energy, and attention – and are united in our mission to grow the women’s game.

The USL W League will serve as the nation’s premier pre-professional league developing the next generation of women’s talent both on and off the field, enhancing the women’s soccer pipeline between college and professional soccer. With 44 teams across 20 states in its inaugural season, the USL W League will bring elite women’s soccer to communities across the U.S., creating more opportunities to play, watch and work in the women’s game.

The match is postponed by a day due to Tropical Cyclone 16’s impending arrival on Saturday

RICHMOND, Va. – The match between the Richmond Kickers and Greenville Triumph SC and Noche de la Herencia Hispana celebration presented by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 23 is moved to Sunday, Sept. 24 out of an abundance of caution related to Tropical Cyclone 16’s impending arrival in the area. Kickoff for the match is set for 4 p.m. with gates to City Stadium opening at 3 p.m.

All tickets previously issued for Saturday, Sept. 23 are still valid on Sunday, Sept. 24 and fans already in possession of a ticket will not need to exchange or buy a new one. If fans are unable to attend the match on Sunday, Sept. 24, they will be able to exchange their tickets for equal or lesser value, based on availability, for any of our remaining 2023 regular-season home matches. Fans may contact the Kickers ticket office at tickets@richmondkickers.com or (804) 644-5425 in order to exchange their tickets for a later date.

The Noche de la Herencia Hispana celebration presented by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and dance performances by Salsa Guy of Richmond and Tradición Dance Company will also move to the Sept. 24 match.

City Stadium Happy Hour featuring $5 Modelo 12 oz cans will begin when gates open at 3 p.m. and last until kickoff at 4 p.m.

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at RichmondKickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!

Grenada to play two CONCACAF Nations League Matches during the current international break

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to share that forward Kharlton Belmar has earned a call-up to the Grenada Men’s National Team for the country’s upcoming CONCACAF Nations League matches. 

Belmar and his teammates are set to face Suriname on Fri., Sept. 8th, and Honduras on Tues., Sept. 12th.

He returns to the national team after first receiving a call-up to represent Grenada in March 2021 as the Caribbean nation entered World Cup qualifying. He started on his debut as Grenada earned a 1-0 win over the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

In total, Belmar has earned nine total caps including World Cup qualifying, CONCACAF Nations League, and friendlies. His time in the Nations League included a start against the United States Men’s National Team on June 10, 2022, in front of a packed house at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

Belmar ranks tied for second on the Kickers in assists (3) while adding two goals to his overall goal contributions.

Kharlton Belmar said:    

“It’s always an honor to get called up to play for the national team. I’m really looking forward to getting back involved with the squad for big games against good opponents and hopefully starting off Nations League group play on a strong note.”

Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer said:

“We are pleased for Kharlton and his opportunity. International call-ups are gems to be cherished and we wish him the best of luck with Grenada.”

Richmond are on the road next, Sat., Sept. 9th, as they prepare to face Union Omaha at Werner Park. The match is set to kick off at 8 p.m. The team will hold an official watch party at Three Notch’d Brewing.

The Kickers return home on Saturday, September 23rd to host Greenville Triumph SC on Noche de la Hispana presented by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The doors at City Stadium are set to open at 4:45 p.m. ahead of the 6 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

For just a yearly subscription of $35, fans unlock up to 50% off their tickets, 15% savings on Kickers’ swag, and more with a Kickers+ Membership! This steal of a deal pays for itself after your first four (4) purchased tickets. Become a member and start saving today! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/kickersplus. 

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at RichmondKickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!

The veteran player/coach continues role on a new multi-year extension

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce Akira Fitzgerald has signed a new multi-year extension to continue his role as both the Kickers’ goalkeeping coach and the team’s goalkeeper.

The 36-year-old continues as the Kickers’ longest-tenured player after initially signing for the club ahead of the 2019 USL League One season.

Since signing for the Kickers, Fitzgerald won 2021 USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year honors, was named a finalist for Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019 and 2022, set the new single-season record for saves in a season (105), and became the first player in USL League One history to make 100 regular-season appearances.

Fitzgerald continues his duties as the team’s goalkeeping coach after assuming the role ahead of the 2021 season. Under his tutelage, multiple players developed to make a greater impact in Richmond or elsewhere.

Will Palmquist stepped into a more prominent role between the pipes this season, starting six of seven regular-season appearances while maintaining three clean sheets and posting a nearly 72 percent save percentage. Eli Mumford earned an athletic scholarship in June 2023 to the University of Pittsburgh’s Division I men’s soccer team after developing in Richmond on a USL Academy contract from the beginning of the 2022 season. The team then signed 17-year-old James Sneddon in June 2023 to a USL Academy contract from Richmond United, and he serves as the third keeper on the Kickers’ roster.

Additionally, former Kickers’ keeper Austin Causey earned his professional debut with the Kickers during the 2022 season before signing with fellow USL League One club, Lexington SC, and making multiple starts.

Akira Fitzgerald said:    

“I am so excited and grateful to continue my career in Richmond. My family and I have loved being a part of the Richmond community for five years and are so excited to continue to grow here for the years to come. I am so proud of what we have built here and I look forward to continuing that development and bringing more trophies to this club that I love so much.”

“I have been so fortunate that Coach Sawatzky trusted me to run our goalkeeping department and with that added responsibility it has really allowed me to grow as a player, teammate, and coach. By being focused on more than just myself, I believe it has raised my playing level while also bringing along the goalkeepers in our group each and every season. I’ve enjoyed every moment of the role and I get so much joy from seeing the growth of our goalkeepers and love seeing them be successful.”

“There are so many reasons why I wanted to re-sign with the Kickers but one of the biggest has to be our fans. The unwavering support they have shown me and the team during my time here is inspirational and all I want to do is give them my very best every time I am lucky enough to step onto the field at City Stadium. We will continue to fight for the badge and I look forward to lifting more trophies in front of them!”

Darren Sawatzky, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach and Chief Sporting Officer said:

“Akira has been a staple here in Richmond for the past five seasons. He and his family are now synonymous with class and with the character we look for in players and representatives of our club. He is playing at a high level and he is paramount to the success we have both had and are working to maintain. The real beauty in his re-signing is that goalkeepers get better with time, and Akira has proven this yet again.”

“Akira’s work over the past couple years as the goalkeeper coach with the Richmond Kickers has helped garner a USL League One goalkeeper playing minutes at another club, a Division 1 college goalkeeper at a highly-ranked school, and a counterpart in Will Palmquist who has played important minutes for us this year in goal. His growth as a coach and his consistent playing level make him a no-brainer to secure for the future. We are very happy that he is with the Richmond Kickers family for years to come.”

Mika Elovaara, Richmond Kickers’ Head Assistant Coach and Director of Methodology and Player Development said:

“Re-signing Akira is a crucial piece for the whole RVA soccer community to continue to keep getting better. He is a top-level modern goalkeeper, and for the young goalkeepers to be able to watch him every week is an inspiration; Akira is the perfect role model for what they should aspire to become. The fact that he will work with some of the local talent as a goalkeeper coach only further reinforces his significant influence to the development of young players, not just goalkeepers, in our community. Personally, I am also grateful and thrilled that I get to continue to work with him in his dual roles. He is a passionate student of the game and an absolute pleasure to coach.”

The Kickers return home on Wednesday, August 30th to host Central Valley Fuego FC on RVA Community Night presented by Broadbent Selections. The doors at City Stadium are set to open at 5:45 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

For just a yearly subscription of $35, fans unlock up to 50% off their tickets, 15% savings on Kickers’ swag, and more with a Kickers+ Membership! This steal of a deal pays for itself after your first four (4) purchased tickets. Become a member and start saving today! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/kickersplus. 

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at RichmondKickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Download the Richmond Kickers mobile app for news, contests, and more!

TRANSACTION: Richmond Kickers sign Akira Fitzgerald to a new multi-year extension on August 17, 2023.

The 16-year-old returns home to Richmond after playing in the Atlanta United Academy

RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to share that midfielder Landon Johnson has signed a USL Academy contract for the remainder of the 2023 season, pending league and federation approval.

“In my experience, young players in their home environment with their families, their friends, and the familiarity of everyday life, thrive if given the best overall opportunity to grow as young people and as players,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “We want the Richmond Kickers professional team to be the showcase of the great player development in Richmond and we are working every day to make this a destination for young players in that development cycle.

“Landon is a player that sought a higher level but has returned to Richmond to continue his development and work for the highest level of the game. We see Landon competing for time with the professional team and his attacking qualities and his humble nature fit with our culture here.”

Johnson returns to the River City after spending a year working in MLS’ Atlanta United Academy. However, the opportunity for the 16-year-old to return to his hometown to continue developing was something he craved.

“I was invited to train with the Kickers for a week this summer, and at the end of the week Darren had told me he thinks I have the building blocks to be a pro,” Johnson said. “As a player with a dream of playing professionally, this is one of the best things you can hear. Early the next week Darren pulled me aside and offered me an academy contract with the Richmond Kickers. 

“Even though it didn’t show, I was overwhelmed with emotion. I was eager to get home and tell my family. It was truly a day I will never forget. I lived away from home for a year playing with the Atlanta United Academy, but I wanted to come home because I love Richmond.”

Johnson joins his brother Ty – who signed a USL Academy contract during the 2021 season – as the third pair of brothers to play for the Kickers since Evan and Vaughn Fowler in 2013 and Derrick and Darrell Etienne from 1998-2001.

The Chesterfield native is the fourth player with Richmond United pedigree to sign a USL Academy contract with the Kickers during the 2023 season. He is also the second local player this season to return to the Kickers from an MLS Academy after Gabe Cox joined from the Columbus Crew Academy ahead of the preseason.

Johnson’s signing is a further indication that the player pathway in Richmond is growing stronger and presenting greater opportunities for talented youth players to develop in a professional environment while staying close to home.

“We are very happy about Landon’s return to Richmond,” Richmond Kickers’ Head Assistant Coach and Richmond United Technical Director, Mika Elovaara said. “He is a humble and confident young man with tremendous potential, and we are excited to get to work with him every day. With our strong partnership with Richmond United, the player development pathway in Richmond is growing stronger than ever before, and players coming back to RVA from MLS academies are another example of that. I’m looking forward to seeing Landon thrive with us, in our community, on and off the field.”

“I think the environment and pathway that Darren, Mika, and the coaching staff have built is amazing for young talent,” Johnson said. “I’m glad to be a part of this process. This opportunity is more than a chance to prove myself at the next level. This is an opportunity to represent my hometown with pride and be a role model for young talent that could be just like me.”

A pacy winger who likes to score goals and cause problems for opposing backlines, Johnson made his name in the academy with well-timed runs to stretch the defense as well as surgical dribbles through the center of the park.

Now, the talented youngster is aiming to refine his skills and make a name for himself at City Stadium.

“The Richmond Kickers’ culture is the best I’ve experienced and I’ve never felt more a part of a family,” Johnson said. “I eventually want to earn a starting spot in the lineup. I hope to prove to myself and others that I can make a positive impact on the team, consistently, and at a high level.”

Johnson is available for selection for the Kickers’ next match this Saturday, July 15th against Charlotte Independence.

During the Kickers’ match on Saturday, the club will host Women In Sports Night presented by the YMCA of Greater Richmond. The doors at City Stadium are set to open at 5:45 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. kickoff. Tickets are available at richmondkickers.com/tickets.

For just a yearly subscription of $35, fans unlock up to 50% off their tickets, 15% savings on Kickers’ swag, and more with a Kickers+ Membership! This steal of a deal pays for itself after your first four (4) purchased tickets. Become a member and start saving today! Additional information can be found at richmondkickers.com/kickersplus.

Stay up to date with all of the Kickers news at RichmondKickers.com and on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!

TRANSACTION: Landon Johnson signs with the Kickers on a USL Academy contract for the remainder of the 2023 USL League One season on July 11, 2023.

Rostered Players for 2023 as of July 11, 2023 

GOALKEEPERS: Akira Fitzgerald, Will Palmquist, James Sneddon
DEFENDERS: Nathan Aune, Michael Hornsby, Dakota Barnathan, Simon Fitch, Otavio Zerbini, Beckett Howell, Jake Mecham, Chris Cole
MIDFIELDERS: Chandler O’Dwyer, João Gomiero, Nil Vinyals, Zaca Moran, Gabe Cox
FORWARDS: Emiliano Terzaghi, Matthew Bentley, Owayne Gordon, Luke Pavone, David Olsen, Justin Sukow, Kharlton Belmar, Ethan Vanacore-Decker, Ryan Sierakowski, Landon Johnson