Kickers and Midlothian Youth Soccer League Vote in Favor of Merger
Published on February 10, 2011 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, VA - (Thursday, February 10, 2011) - The membership of Midlothian Youth Soccer League (MYSL) and the Boards of Directors of the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club and MYSL voted overwhelmingly in favor of consolidating the two clubs in a formal merger. The new organization will continue to operate under the Richmond Kickers name, brand and player developmental structure, while incorporating MYSL's talent, expertise and passion for recreational programming.
"The Board of Directors of the Midlothian Youth Soccer League are confident that this merger will not only enhance recreational youth soccer for the memberships of both clubs, but will also insure that non-profit sports will thrive in the Richmond Metro area," comments Tom Leahy, MYSL President.
"We are thrilled that the MYSL membership voted in favor of the merger," adds Rob Ukrop, RKYSC President, Board of Directors. "Both organizations believe in strengthening our community through sports, using the beautiful game of soccer to teach life skills to the next generation of leaders. With this merged entity, we will continue to improve the recreational experience for all of our families under the guidance of Holly Angel and John Addison."
At a special meeting held in Midlothian, Virginia, on February 10, 2011, the MYSL membership voted to approve the consolidation, allowing the two clubs to move forward for the upcoming Summer and Fall programming. The merged club is qualified for 501(c)3 non-profit status.
Working closely together for over a decade, the Richmond Kickers and MYSL have similar customer bases, unassailable reputations for success on and off the field, and a long history of providing their membership with quality soccer curriculums. The merged entity will now have stewardship over two of the best privately owned soccer complexes in the country, Hensley Park and Ukrop Park. The union of these two clubs will provide players access to the region's top professional soccer players and instructors, and allows the new club to leverage its buying power to keep player fees at competitive rates. The Richmond Kickers player pyramid structure will feature all levels of play from youth to the pros, including Recreation, ADP, Classic, Elite, Academy and Professional programs.
Current RKYSC Board of Directors President, Rob Ukrop, will continue to serve in this role, while Custis Coleman will serve as Vice President of the merged organization alongside members of both clubs' boards. The Richmond Kickers will continue to be led by Leigh Cowlishaw, Director of Soccer, and Shelley Sowers, General Manager.
Joining the Kickers team will be MYSL staff members John Addison and Holly Angel. With over 30 years of experience, John Addison will oversee the Kickers recreational program, while Holly Angel will serve as Director of Recreational Operations. Addison and Angel will oversee an experienced core of coaching directors, along with a host of respected soccer team coaches, many of whom have coached at the professional, college and high school level.
The merged club will serve over 6,500 soccer families in programs sponsored by the Richmond Kickers and partner clubs, Ashland Youth Soccer League, City of Richmond Parks and Rec., Goochland United Soccer Association, Elementary Soccer and Little KICKS. The Richmond Kickers Soccer Club provides opportunities for all players of all abilities and unites soccer in the Central Virginia community. Benefits include economy of scale, consistency of coaching philosophy, professional administrative and coaching staff expertise, positive role models for youth players and a clear pathway from youth to pro for aspiring young players.
A full-service soccer club with over 6,000 players competing in youth, adult, amateur and professional programs, the Richmond Kickers pyramid structure serves as a model to soccer clubs across the country. For more information, visit RichmondKIckers.com.
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