Soccer in Richmond VA

Richmond’s soccer scene isn’t just growing—it’s booming. Whether you call it football, fútbol, or soccer, the region has embraced the sport with energy, inclusivity, and top-level competition. From packed stands at women’s pro games to weekend youth matches on fields across the counties, Richmond has become one of the South’s most vibrant soccer hubs.

Professional Teams: The Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy

The Richmond Kickers, founded in 1993, are one of the oldest continuously operating professional soccer teams in the U.S. They now play in USL League One and host matches at City Stadium, where a devoted fan base turns out with drums, chants, and hometown pride. The Kickers also run one of the region’s largest youth systems, nurturing talent from toddler to teen. Over the decades, several alumni have gone on to play in Major League Soccer and abroad.

Equally important—and arguably more electric—is the rise of Richmond Ivy, the city’s women’s professional team. Competing in the USL W League, the Ivy recently sold out their home season, drawing thousands of fans and generating national attention. Their success has reshaped the narrative around women’s sports in Richmond, showing that support, skill, and visibility go hand-in-hand. Ivy players are frequently active in community outreach, hosting clinics and meeting young athletes at local schools.

Youth Clubs and Player Development

Youth soccer in Richmond is anchored by two powerhouse clubs: the Richmond Strikers and Richmond United. The Strikers operate one of the largest programs in Virginia, from recreational leagues to elite travel teams. They are best known for hosting the Jefferson Cup, one of the most competitive youth tournaments on the East Coast. The event brings in over 1,000 teams from across the country and injects millions into the local economy each year.

Richmond United is an elite youth development program formed through a collaboration between the Strikers and the Kickers. The club competes in the ECNL and ECNL-RL—nationally recognized leagues that serve as pipelines for collegiate and professional players. Richmond United’s track record for producing Division I talent and national team invitees has made it a serious stop on the recruiting trail.

Other clubs like FC Richmond and Chesterfield United (now part of Chesterfield Strikers) provide structured pathways with a heavy focus on player development. FC Richmond, based in the city’s West End, emphasizes technical skill and character development and maintains a loyal parent base. Clubs such as Dynamo SC and Central Virginia United serve broader regional players, helping bridge opportunities for athletes in Powhatan, Amelia, and beyond.

Camps, Clinics, and School Partnerships

Richmond’s soccer calendar is packed with offseason development options. Scor Sports Center offers year-round clinics, futsal leagues, goalkeeper training, and competitive indoor programs. The Kickers, Ivy, and Richmond United host seasonal camps, providing players with access to high-level coaching and a glimpse of the professional pathway.

High schools play a pivotal role in Richmond’s soccer culture. Schools like Collegiate, Maggie Walker, Cosby, Mills Godwin, and Deep Run consistently reach regional and state playoffs. Public and private high school coaches often work hand-in-hand with local clubs to monitor player development. The level of play and exposure at the high school level means local athletes are regularly recruited by NCAA programs.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and the University of Richmond both field competitive NCAA soccer programs, drawing local fans and providing role models for younger athletes. VCU’s men’s team competes in the Atlantic 10, while U of R’s women’s team helps elevate visibility for female athletes in the region.

Recreational and Adult Leagues

Soccer isn’t just for kids or pros—Richmond’s adult rec scene is one of the most active in the state. The Central Virginia Soccer Association (CVSA) has run amateur leagues since 1975, offering divisions for every skill level, from ex-college athletes to beginners who just want a weekend run. The league fields dozens of teams each season, with options for men’s, women’s, coed, and over-30 competition.

Indoor soccer is thriving. SCOR, XL Sports World in Mechanicsville, and Futsal RVA offer fast-paced leagues for adults and youth alike. Futsal has gained popularity as a skill-builder and now serves as an essential offseason tool for youth academies. Richmond United and Strikers both have futsal teams that train year-round.

Soccer and Community: Access and Inclusion

Richmond’s soccer population reflects its broader cultural vibrancy. Immigrant- and refugee-led teams compete in weekend leagues organized informally across Henrico and Chesterfield. Community organizations like RVA FC’s outreach programs, RVA Sports Foundation, and Sportable’s adaptive sports programs help make the game more inclusive.

RVA FC’s Street Soccer program works directly with underserved youth, providing gear and coaching in neighborhoods with limited access to club programs. Bilingual coaching staff and multilingual parent liaisons are increasingly common at major clubs, especially those operating in more diverse areas of the city.

The city and counties have also worked to expand public field access and share use between rec departments and clubs. Bryan Park, Dorey Park, Poor Farm Park, and City Stadium host everything from tournaments to open play, with new turf fields and lighting systems coming online in recent years.

Culture, Growth, and What’s Next --

Soccer in Richmond isn’t just a pastime—it’s part of the city’s identity. Between the Kickers, the Ivy, a national reputation for youth development, and the tireless work of rec and travel coaches across every suburb, the region has become a soccer ecosystem.

The next phase includes stadium improvements, more investment in women’s soccer, and new partnerships between schools and clubs. As interest continues to grow—particularly among girls, immigrant families, and adult players—Richmond is well-positioned to become one of the strongest soccer cities on the East Coast.

Whether you're a parent looking for a weekend league, a scout tracking next-gen talent, or a supporter waving a scarf in the supporters’ section, Richmond offers a place in the world’s game for everyone.