February 24, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
RICHMOND, Va. – Mika Elovaara is set to return to the Richmond Kickers’ professional team’s technical staff as the Head Assistant Coach following a collaboration deal struck between the Richmond Kickers’ pro team and Richmond United that will also make Elovaara Richmond United’s Technical Director.
Elovaara’s appointment will begin immediately as he guides the Richmond United boys and girls academies in line with the methodology of the Richmond Kickers’ professional team to help academy players reach for the highest levels of collegiate and professional soccer.
In this new role, Elovaara will now oversee the technical direction of Richmond United – unifying methodology to strengthen the Richmond United experience – and the work of Richmond United’s ECNL Directors, Sascha Görres (Boys) and Greg Boehme (Girls). Elovaara will also advise Richmond United coaches through coaching education, training methods, and establish a shared culture for both the boy’s and girl’s programs.
“For years now, the three entities, Richmond United boys and girls and the Richmond Kickers pro team have been developing in their own lanes,” Elovaara said. “With the success of each of the three on their own, it is a perfect time to truly unite and build towards an even more sustainable culture of development and success. We want all boys and girls in the greater RVA community to be able to pursue their dreams in the best possible soccer environment while remaining in their hometown, in the communities with their friends and family.
“This would not be possible without the work Rob Ukrop, Darren Sawatzky, Leigh Cowlishaw (Kickers Youth), and Jay Howell (Strikers) have done and the spirit of collaboration for everyone’s benefit. It is humbling to be asked to play a key role in this historic partnership, and I cannot wait to get to work with all the RU players, coaches, and the two ECNL directors. My quick u-turn from my recently acquired role in the MLS speaks for the love for the RVA community my family and I have.”
The leadership of both the Richmond Kickers’ professional team and Richmond United seized the opportunity to collaborate and enhance the youth player pathway in Richmond. This partnership will establish a meaningful connection between the Kickers’ professional team and Richmond United to improve each academy player’s learning and performance environments while strengthening Richmond…