The Richmond Kickers have been repping River City since 1993 — the same year the city had a Christmas Day snowstorm + Circuit City was adding storefronts from Richmond + across the country.
This Saturday’s home opener marks the start of their 30th season, making the organization the oldest continuously run pro soccer club in the country.
City Stadium became their home in 1995 and is now outfitted with lights, concession stands, backed seating + three murals featuring work by local artists Julia Stewart + JVY Creations.
The team started in the United States Interregional Soccer League, but went through several division changes before joining the USL League One in 2019. They play around 15 home games a season against teams from Colorado to Arizona to South Carolina.
We spoke with two players, 2021’s USL League One Goalkeeper of the Year Akira Fitzgerald + midfielder Matt Bolduc. They shared that community impact, fan support, and a well-connected, talented team are all a part of playing with the Kickers.
“We’ve gone to Tang and Biscuit after the games to hang out with fans.” Bolduc said, “It’s always good to see them out and about.”
“A lot of us do coaching as well, so getting to work with those youth players is really nice because they can come to the games, but also we can have an impact on their development as players,” Fitzgerald added.
The 2022 roster has talent from all across the US, Argentina, El Salvador, Spain, Britain, and Japan. There’s also some guys who have called Richmond home, like VCU grads Simon Fitch and Dakota Barnathan.
Many players have been part of the team for several seasons, which has led to a tight-knit bond. They say the camaraderie fuels chemistry, and that chemistry will lead the Roos to the trophy.
Here’s where you can get involved…
If you’re heading into the home opener, you may hear someone shout, “Up the Roos!” That’s all thanks to the Kickers mascot, Kickeroo, who can always be found bouncing down the sidelines.
You’ll also see members of the River City Red Army, the team’s official fan club. They take up residence in Section O of City Stadium.
Pro tip: Find the Song Chart posted on the bleachers to learn the lyrics to keep up with their game chants.
“It’s awesome to be a part of a club that has real fans that really bleed for the badge,” Balduc said. “RVA is Red.”
The Richmond Kickers will face off against FC Tucson this Sat., April 2 at 6:30 p.m. Gates open up to the public at 5 p.m. Fitzgerald said they’re ready to put on a show after a successful pre-season, including a 3-1 match against James Madison’s team.
Pro tip: Mark your calendar for a special 30th Anniversary Celebration at the Sat., May 7 game against Forward Madison FC.
Click here for season + individual game tickets, team stats + the new 1993 throwback jerseys for sale. Let’s kick it. 🦘
