Richmond Kickers News Release - www.richmondkickers.com

Friday, March 13, 2009

RICHMOND, VA -- The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of former Real Salt Lake midfielder and Richmond local, Kenny Cutler, pending USL and USSF approval. The deal reunites the former U-20 National Team Player with Kickers Head Coach Leigh Cowlishaw, who acted as Cutler’s assistant coach for two years while with the Richmond Strikers Youth Club.

“When Kenny expressed an interest in playing for the Kickers we felt it was important for the organization to help bring him back to Richmond,” comments Cowlishaw. “When the pro team was established, we all envisioned a day whereby talented youth players would one day represent their local professional team. Kenny has had four years of experience with Real Salt Lake in MLS and we anticipate a productive season will allow him to return to Major League Soccer.”

The 5’9” midfielder joined Real Salt Lake during their inaugural season as an undrafted Developmental roster signing in 2005. The versatile 26-year old started 19 matches as a rookie and ended up amassing over 3,000 minutes over the next four seasons. Starting 11 of 15 matches with the senior team in 2006, Cutler acted as a main contributor for the Real Salt Lake Reserves, notching a pair of assists in 720 minutes of action. Sidelined through injury during most of the 2007 season, Cutler returned to full health in time for the 2008 campaign where he made 11 appearances.

"I am thrilled about the chance to play for the Kickers,” adds Cutler. “I grew up watching the Kickers and it’s very special to be able to come play in my hometown in front of family and friends. I have heard nothing but good things about the organization in Richmond and it’s an exciting opportunity to work with Leigh again because he was my youth coach when I was playing for the Richmond Strikers."

A 1998 NSCAA Youth All-American, the Freeman High School graduate made his international debut with the U.S. U-16 National Team against France one year prior. A member of the inaugural class of 20 players chosen by John Ellinger that launched the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team Residency Program. Starting every game for the U.S. U-17’s at the 1999 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament in Jamaica, Cutler co-captained the U-17 squad that finished fourth at the World Youth Championships in New Zealand. A Virginia and Region I ODP team member, Cutler played club soccer for the Richmond Strikers.

A product of Clemson University, Cutler registered 10 goals and 12 assists in 79 appearances. Notching three goals and three assists during his senior campaign, he earned First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2003.

Kickers versus Carolina RailHawks
The Richmond Kickers will open the 2009 season with a USL-1 exhibition match featuring Worthen’s former team, Carolina RailHawks on Saturday, April 4th at 7:00 pm at Sports Backers Stadium. Regularly priced admission ($12/adults, $7/youth ages 3-17) will apply for the home opener exhibition and tickets are on sale now via RichmondKickers.com. Order a season pass* prior to March 27th and purchase tickets to the home opener for just $5.00 each.

KICKERS PARTNER WITH CORBAN SOCCER’S littleKICKS

The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce a new partnership with Corban Soccer’s in-school soccer program littleKICKS. As part of Corban Soccer LLC, littleKICKS provides quality instruction and games to pre-school children ages 3-6, while emphasizing more than just soccer. With over 400 participants enrolled this spring, the program is slated to kick off this week.

“I am pleased to introduce soccer, the sport I am passionate about, to young children at pre-schools and in the process provide a quality and convenient program for their parents,” comments Luke Vercollone, littleKICKS Founder and Richmond Kickers midfielder. “The program, so far, has received positive feedback from the schools, parents and most importantly, the kids.”

Professional soccer players and coaches visit the pre-schools once a week for 30-45 minute sessions of soccer instruction, drills and games. The littleKICKS curriculum incorporates sportsmanship, agility, coordination, exercise, and FUN while teaching the sport of soccer. Parents enroll their children in a positive, fun activity that does not require extra driving or take away from valuable evening and weekend time. Additionally, registered players receive a 2009 Richmond Kickers Youth Pro Pass, which allows admission to all of the Kickers pro regular season home games.

"littleKICKS offers a wonderful soccer experience for preschool children,” comments Elizabeth Bale, owner of The Cedarhouse School. “Their exercises help build skills in creative and fun ways. The instructors are patient, kind and effective leaders of the group who obviously understand how to work with children. Here at Cedarhouse, we offer several extracurricular programs each spring and fall, and I can easily say that littleKICKS is among the best programs I have seen.”

For more information about littleKICKS, visit www.littleKICKS.net.