Kickers Hold Tryouts at Ukrop Park

By Katie Mawyer

RICHMOND, VA - February 22, 2010 - Over the weekend the Richmond Kickers hosted its 12th Annual Player Combine in which over 100 players from 18 countries attended. The event took place at the Kickers training complex, Ukrop Park, which is being considered as a team base camp in the USA bid for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup.

Jesse Myers, the Kickers Assistant Coach was present to run the tryouts, which were underway Friday evening at 6:30. Players were randomly divided into six groups prior to their arrival. Two of the groups consisted of players who received an invite for the event; these players were notified by Kickers affiliates to come tryout. The four additional groups were comprised of players who filled out applications prior to the tryout. All groups conducted various drills and exercises before beginning small-sided games with eight players on each side. It was a chilly evening in which very few spectators were present.

The event was underway early Saturday morning. The afternoon brought clear blue skies and some sunshine for the athletes to enjoy. Players took part in 11 vs. 11 full-field games with three 30-minute periods each, with one game beginning at 8:00 A.M., another at 9:30 A.M. and the third at 11:00 A.M. The afternoon wrapped up relatively early, as the Kickers youth organization took the fields for their weekend practice.  

Michael Pertz, a Medina, Ohio native, was one of the invited few to attend the weekend-long event. The 24-year-old began his career at the University of Akron in Ohio before graduating from Azusa Pacific University in California this past year. Pertz currently plays with Ohio Vortex, a Professional Arena Soccer League (PASL) club in its first year of play. Pertz said the Kickers called him a few short days before the tryout, in need of a center back, and asked for him to travel to Richmond.

“I’m here to give it a shot,” said Pertz. “I feel like I’ve got a good chance. I consider this as just a stepping-stone. Richmond obviously has a great reputation as a club and as a team, and I’m looking to work my way up from here.”

Zamar Roberts made the trip from Atlanta, Ga. to tryout for the Kickers. An avid soccer player since his youth, Roberts said he drove to Richmond, “to face the competition.” Roberts was surprised at the quickness of the event, as he had planned to stay all day Saturday. After playing in the 9:30 game, Roberts remained at the complex as a spectator, observing the final game.

“I’m a fan of the sport,” said Roberts. “If I’m not playing myself, I’ll watch.”

Other athletes traveled from Italy, Nigeria, Canada, Japan, England, Jamaica, Mexico, Argentina and Peru, to name a few countries.

The recent snow didn’t hinder any plans for the tryouts. A snowplow was called in before the tryouts to clear the field turf of the wintery coat.

Several selected players await their fate through the next week. Players that attracted the attention of the Kickers coaching staff were further invited to take part in the professional practice this upcoming week, with the decision regarding a potential signing to be made within that time. Typically, the organization usually signs two to three players; however, no players are guaranteed an offer.

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