Richmond Kickers Feature -- www.richmondkickers.com
Monday, April 16, 2012
RICHMOND, Va. -- Eleven professional seasons. Two-hundred-and-seventy-five appearances. Sixty-one career assists. Six-time Supporter’s Choice MVP. Two-time USL Most Valuable Player finalist. Mike Burke is a name synonymous with soccer success in Richmond and after more than a decade with the Kickers, he will officially retire from pro soccer this Saturday, April 21st.
Burke’s 11-year playing career with the Kickers concluded following the 2010 season when he earned the 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 more than 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.
In excited anticipation of Burke’s ceremonial jersey retirement this Saturday, April 21st, RichmondKickers.com sat down with one of the Kickers all-time greatest players to reflect on his professional career.
RichmondKickers.com: You must have a lot of memories from your time with the Kickers. What is your fondest or most memorable moment in your career as a pro player?
Burke: Winning the USL Championship in 2006. It was very special that we won our first championship. In addition, earning Championship MVP honors in that game while my family was in the stands made the moment even more special.
RichmondKickers.com: When you signed with the Kickers in 2000, did you ever think you would be where you are today?
Burke: When I signed in 2000, I had no idea that things would turn out the way they did. At that point in time...I wanted to have some stability in my life. My brother Patrick played for the Richmond Kickers with Leigh, so something just felt right when I signed. My brother was wondering why his jersey isn’t being retired!
RichmondKickers.com: In your opinion, who is the best all-time Kickers player that you played alongside?
Burke: Josh Henderson was a great teammate. Not only was he a great teammate, he was a special player that not too many people appreciated. He had a great soccer mind.
RichmondKickers.com: Now that you are officially retired, what will you miss most about the pro team?
Burke: For 12 years I had some great laughs with my teammates. The road trips were always fun. It was like college without the classes. Jokes, pranks, poker, heated discussions… anything and everything was always on the table for discussion. That was truly the best part of the entire journey.
RichmondKickers.com: You have had some interesting hairstyles over the years. What was up with that pink hair in 2001?
Burke: It was supposed to be bleached blond with red streaks, but it came out pink. In 2001 pink wasn’t cool yet....but I guess I was ahead of the times for the color trends. Maybe it was bad timing, because we had a game down in Charleston and I was heckled the entire game.
RichmondKickers.com: How have the Kickers helped shape who you are today, personally and professionally?
Burke: I think in both cases professionally and personally, the Kickers have had a tremendous impact on my life. The entire Kickers family has helped groom me into the person I am today. On and off the field, the life lessons that I have learned have been incredible.
RichmondKickers.com: What do you find most rewarding about your position as Assistant Technical Director and/or coach with the Kickers?
Burke: Being part of the Richmond Kickers technical staff has truly been a special experience. As the Assistant Technical Director it is and has been a remarkable experience to work with Ihor, Leigh, and Andy. I’ve learned so much over the years from them. Being able to give back to our youth club by coaching numerous teams each season gives me great satisfaction. I am very passionate about coaching.
RichmondKickers.com: What advice can you give to young players who aspire to have a great professional career like you had?
Burke: Visualize what type of player you want to be and believe in yourself.