NATIONAL LEAGUE ACADEMY
RICHMOND UNITED BOYS ADDS VIRGINIA FC AS AFFILIATE
Partnerships with Virginia FC to begin in 2021-22
Richmond United Boys is pleased to announce the addition of Virginia FC as the 5th affiliate club for the 2021-22 season. Virginia FC will be joining parent clubs Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers and affiliate clubs Fredericksburg FC and Tidewater Sharks on the list of clubs providing their highest achieving players with a pathway to the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).
"We are excited to launch this affiliation with Richmond United creating a pathway for our high performing players into their professional academy and ECNL's National League program," says Virginia FC Technical Director Kevin Darcy. "VAFC's mission is to find the best environment for all of our players and to play a role in their advancement to the next level when they are ready and able to impact a program such as Richmond United. The success of VAFC will be judged on its ability to not only develop our young talent but to help our tier 1 players reach their goal of playing in the National Leagues, College and beyond."
“Kevin’s and Virginia FC’s commitment to individual player development is evident,” added Sascha Goerres, Richmond United Boys Director. “Kevin has given the most competitive players at Virginia FC the opportunity to train with us and we were impressed by their ability. We are looking forward to working together with Virginia FC and strengthening the environment for our players.”
The collaboration between Richmond United and its affiliated clubs focuses on two main areas, player development and club/staff development. The affiliation will provide the most talented players the opportunity to benefit from Richmond United’s competitive ECNL environment for training and games as Developmental Players while simultaneously continuing to participate in training and games with their home clubs. Richmond United and its affiliated clubs will work together to provide all players with an appropriate level of competition based on the individual players’ abilities and goals.
In addition to the added benefits for players, the technical staffs and coaches will meet regularly to share best practices while collaborating on development initiatives including talent identification sessions, scrimmage festivals and camps, to optimize the elite training environment for all clubs.
About Richmond United
Established in 2014 by the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers, Richmond United’s vision is to offer the most comprehensive and successful player development environment for soccer in Virginia. We will inspire our members, strive to achieve excellence and unite our soccer community. The Richmond United Boys program currently has teams in the U13-19 age groups and competes in the ECNL.
About Virginia FC
Home to the Peninsula and the Hampton Roads region, VAFC provides participation opportunities for players of all ages and levels while creating partnerships with like-minded organizations that put the player first. Offering quality, convenient and affordable playing opportunities with the focus to develop the whole player in a fun, challenging & competitive environment. Virginia FC boasts a platform that includes grass roots to professional level teams.