Richmond Kickers News Release -- www.richmondkickers.com
Friday, April 13, 2012
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers, together with Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc., are pleased to celebrate the career of one of the all-time greatest professional soccer players in Richmond, Mike Burke, on Saturday, April 21 when the Kickers play host to the defending USL PRO Champions Orlando City. Burke’s No.19 jersey will be retired during a special halftime presentation and the first 1,000 fans through the gate will receive a free 2012 replica t-shirt, courtesy of Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc.
“We are proud to honor not only one of the Kickers all-time greatest players but a player who has had a profound impact on his community and countless youth players he has coached,” said Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Head Coach and Director of Soccer. “We encourage everyone to attend the game and personally thank Burkey next Saturday."
"The Richmond Kickers have and always will be family to me,” said Burke. “The 11 years with the pro team was the greatest journey in my life. I am so grateful for the platform they provided me to establish roots here in Richmond and become the person I am today. The support over the years has been remarkable and I am truly thankful for everyone involved."
Burke’s 11-year playing career with the Kickers concluded following the 2010 season when he earned USL Assists Champion and All-League Second Team honors en route to his sixth Championship appearance with the club. Leading the team to two league titles (2006, 2009), the four-time USL All-League First Team selection tops the Kickers all-time assists category with 61. The 2007 USL Most Valuable Player, Burke made 275 appearances with the Kickers and currently resides in second place on the franchise’s all-time games played list. Logging over 18,000 minutes in a Kickers uniform, the club’s perennial fan favorite garnered Supporter’s Choice MVP honors on six consecutive occasions and was named Player’s Choice MVP twice.
"Burkey was one our first player signings in 2000,” said Cowlishaw. “I remember watching him at the MLS Combine and knowing he would be a great addition. Unfortunately for the Kickers he signed with D.C. United but we were fortunate to secure his services to Richmond shortly after.”
“Burkey was everything we look for in a player, fast, skillful with exceptional vision and passing ability,” Cowlishaw added. “Only a handful of people are aware that during his professional career, he was courted several times by MLS and on each occasion he decided to stay with the club to play a pivotal role in the growth and success of the Kickers organization.”
A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Burke earned USL First Division Rookie of the Year honors in 1998 with the Jacksonville Cyclones. Making 33 appearances with the Charleston Battery, the midfielder also had a stint with D.C. United and the Dallas Burn of Major League Soccer prior to signing with the Kickers in 2000.
An advocate for youth player development, Burke continues to act as a full-time Technical Director with the Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club. He oversees the Advanced Development Soccer League (ADSL) program while coaching Richmond Kickers U13 Girls Elite and U10/U11 Boys Elite teams. Burke resides in Midlothian with his wife, Audrey, son, Declan (4) and daughter, Piper (2).