RICHMOND, Va. – (Monday, May 29, 2023) – The Richmond Kickers Youth Club is pleased to announce the hiring of Sydney Granderson as a fulltime Assistant Program Director effective June 1s, 2023. Granderson is set to coach two U9/10 girls travel teams for the upcoming 2023-24 season as well as continuing to play a lead role in the club’s ADP, Little Kicks, and U4-6 Recreational programs.

“I’ve had a lot of fun coaching for the Kickers over these last few years,” Granderson said. “I’ve been able to see so many kids transition from our Little Kicks program all the way to ADP/Travel and that brings me so much joy. I’m super grateful for this opportunity.”

Granderson is a Richmond product having competed at the youth level for the Richmond Kickers, Richmond Strikers, FC Richmond, and Freeman High School Varsity teams. Granderson began her coaching career with SCOR and their lil kickers and Skills Institute programs in 2013. She also coached at Patrick Henry High School as an assistant coach for their Varsity Girls soccer team.

Scott Thomsen, ADP & Camps Director commented, “I have worked with Sydney for the past few years in our ADP and U9/10 program and she has been an irreplaceable part of each program. She is a role model for our youngest players, especially our female players.  We can't wait to have her part of our team full time and see her continue to develop and help the club continue to grow and improve."

Granderson joined the Richmond Kickers Youth Club in 2017 and immediately made a positive impact coaching within various programs within the club. Starting with Little Kicks, Sydney worked, and continues to work, in numerous daycares and child development centers throughout Richmond. Expanding her coaching platform within the club she then added ADP duties and soon after joined our Travel program. Granderson also assists with our Recreation U4-U6 and Futsal programs.

Amy MacKenzie, Little Kicks Director commented, "I met Coach Sydney in the fall of 2017 when she started as a Little Kicks coach. She has been an integral part of our staff since then and has flourished in all RKYSC programming. You can't step foot onto a field without someone shouting "Coach Sydney" since her presence has impacted children of all ages. I am thrilled Sydney is joining the club fulltime and look forward to seeing her develop her administrative and management skills."