Richmond Kickers: A Legacy of Soccer in Virginia
The Richmond Kickers are a professional soccer club steeped in history, representing the city of Richmond, Virginia. As the longest, continuously-running professional soccer club in the country, the Kickers are preparing for their 34th straight season of operation [1]. The club competes in USL League One (USL1), a professional soccer league in the United States.
Club History and Founding
Founded in 1993, the Richmond Kickers began as a United States Interregional Soccer League (now USL League Two) expansion team, operating in the fourth tier of American soccer [1]. The team quickly established itself as a prominent force in the regional soccer landscape. They began playing at City Stadium in 1995, which remains their primary home venue [1]. City Stadium has a reduced capacity of 6,000 seats for most matches [1].
Ownership and Leadership
Currently, the Richmond Kickers are majority-owned by 22 Holdings, LLC, with a minority stake held by RKYSC [1]. Robert Ukrop serves as the club’s chairman. Darren Sawatzky has been the head coach since 2019, succeeding David Bulow [1].
Fanbase and Rivalries
The Kickers enjoy a dedicated fanbase, most notably represented by their primary supporters group, the Red Army, who occupy Section O of City Stadium [1]. The club maintains rivalries with other Mid-Atlantic and Deep South soccer teams, including the Charleston Battery and Greenville Triumph [1]. A former intrastate rivalry existed with the Virginia Beach Mariners, competing for the James River Cup until the Mariners folded in 2009 [1].
Recent Highlights
In May 2022, the Richmond Kickers faced Charlotte FC in a match that saw multiple goals scored by both teams [3]. The final score reflected Charlotte FC’s victory with goals from Andre Shinyashiki, Orrin McKinze Gaines II (two goals), Yordy Reyna, and Zacarías Morán Correa scoring for Richmond Kickers [3].
Looking Ahead
As the Richmond Kickers embark on their 34th season, the club continues to be a cornerstone of the Richmond sports community. With a dedicated ownership group, a passionate fanbase, and a commitment to competitive soccer, the Kickers are poised for continued success in USL League One [1].
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