Richmond Kickers Feature -- www.richmondkickers.com
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
RICHMOND, Va. -- The Richmond Kickers Pro team has recently initiated a new policy designed to fast track current and former Academy players. New in 2012, the pro team has incorporated a summer reserve team schedule as well as first team training opportunities for the Kickers top Academy players.
Already this season, numerous Academy players have played alongside the pro team. Zach Harris (U18 Team) and Christian Alcorn (U16 Team) have spent the past two weeks with the pros for preseason training.
Sunday saw another historic milestone for club development as the pro team faced the Academy Select XI at Ukrop Park. The Pro team ran out comfortable 6-0 winners with goals from Matthew Delicate (2), David Bulow (2), William Yomby and Bobby Foglesong.
Despite the scoreline, Academy goalkeeper Anthony Groben, who recently committed to Division I Towson University, posted several top class saves while Antonio Carrabotta and Carter Brown’s athleticism on the back line stood out with calm, composed defending.
Ryan Clapman and Travis Borkey tested three-time USL Goalkeeper of the Year Ronnie Pascale and Zach Harris rattled the crossbar with a 25-yard rocket destined for the upper 90 late in the second half.
"This was another proud moment for the Kickers and of course the Pros were always going to win the game but our technical staff truly believes that utilizing the pro team is such an important component for our youth players’ development,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer.
"The goal is simple. Allow our young players the ability to test themselves with and against some of the top professional players outside MLS,” explained Cowlishaw. “Our players are very fortunate as only a handful of Academy clubs nationwide can offer this level of development. While many players continue playing High School soccer with their peers, the Kickers can offer our best players an entire new dimension that no other Academy club outside MLS can provide."