February 9, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce the signing of former VCU standout forward and Virginia Beach native Kharlton Belmar ahead of the 2023 USL League One season, pending league and federation approval.
“Kharlton is an explosive, attacking weapon that started his career here at VCU after growing up in Virginia Beach,” Richmond Kickers’ Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach, Darren Sawatzky said. “His career has seen him suit up in MLS and the USL Championship, scoring goals and wreaking havoc on opposition defenses.
“We work to play an exciting, attacking brand here in Richmond, and adding Kharlton to the arsenal makes our team more dangerous. Kharlton has experience and this will serve our young players well as he helps lead the group into the USL League One season.”
Belmar, 30, joins the Kickers following a successful collegiate career at VCU and an expansive professional career across the USL Championship and MLS as well as earning call-ups to the Grenada Men’s National Team.
The explosive forward capable of playing across the attack most recently played for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in 2022 where he made 24 appearances. The club finished third in the USL Championship Western Conference with the conference’s second-most goals scored.
“Darren has a vision for the team and club that would make anyone want to join the group which made making this decision a no-brainer,” Belmar said. “Looking at what the group was able to accomplish last year and the excitement they were able to bring back to the community really made this an undeniable prospect along with the added bonus of playing back ‘home.'”
Belmar is the third Ram to sign to the Kickers’ 2023 roster alongside Dakota Barnathan and second-year pro Simon Fitch. He reunites for a second time with Barnathan after the pair played together at VCU from 2012-14 and Swope Park Rangers from 2017-18.
A member of VCU Head Coach Dave Giffard’s side from 2011-14, Belmar developed as an underclassman, appearing in 36 total games while scoring 6 total goals and tallying three total assists.
Entering his junior season, Belmar led the forward line, starting 20 of 21 matches and unleashing his attacking skills with eight goals – including three game-winners – and two more assists. He was named to the All-Atlantic 10 First Team and the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team. Belmar finished his senior season…