CHESTERFIELD PARTNERS WITH PUMA NORTH AMERICA
United FC Signs as Flagship Club in Virginia
Richmond, VA – (Friday, March 5, 2010) – Chesterfield United FC (United FC) has agreed to become a PUMA Flagship club in Virginia and partner with PUMA North America under its “Total Club Concept” program. Kevin Darcy, technical director, United FC agreed to terms with PUMA North America at the NSCAA National Coaches Convention in Philadelphia this past January. Chesterfield United will kick off the relationship at its 17th annual Chesterfield Icebreaker on March 6th-7th, 2010.
“We are extremely excited and proud to become a part of the TCC program, which is the highest level of club support offered by PUMA North America. It is an honor to represent one of the top soccer brands in the world and take on the responsibility of serving as a flagship club here in Richmond, Virginia. I’d say we’re in excellent company considering PUMA sponsors the defending Men’s World Cup Champions, Italy, as well as the number one Women’s League in the world, the WPS (Women’s Professional Soccer),” says Darcy. “As a player, I grew up with PUMA and watched the top players in the world, such as Pele and Maradona, perform in their brand. I have always identified PUMA as number one in performance and professionalism.”
Chesterfield United FC has put together a bottom up player development system that begins with clinics and camps for kids as young as 5-years old. In terms of team play, the club runs a two season recreational league for players aged 4-18, a progressive bridge program that transitions recreational players to the travel level, a competitive travel program with over 30 teams (U9-U18 boys and girls) and a minor league indoor team in the PASL (Richmond United FC), which serves as the top of the club’s developmental pyramid.
In addition to United FC’s player development structure, the club has shown its commitment to its membership by building a staff that includes five professional coaching directors, four USSF “A” licensed and one “B” licensed, that are dedicated to player, coach, team and club development. “Our vision and direction reflects that of PUMA North America, which is why the partnership has come to fruition. At the end of the day, we have both adopted a “player first” mentality and understand it is not just about winning. The wins are an end product of humility, hard work, integrity, character and a top-quality player and team development model. This relationship will provide a unique professional look at all levels of our club and will help take United FC to the next level.”
The club will officially embrace the PUMA brand throughout the entire club beginning in the fall of 2010. However, United FC will begin to reap the benefits afforded to a PUMA TCC club with the Icebreaker Tournament. In addition, the club will see a steady dose of benefits and opportunities leading up to the fall. As part of the PUMA TCC club status, players will be selected to attend the PUMA Pro Select International tour of Brazil each summer and teams will be invited to the PUMA Albion Cup Elite tournament annually in San Diego, California during July. In addition, United FC’s top teams will be in consideration for the PUMA-sponsored Swann’s USA Cup, which will be held in Minnesota, and will be afforded potential opportunities to tour Europe to visit PUMA sponsored clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur of the Barclays English Premier League.
As an added bonus to our club, our girls’ program will receive a special connection to the Washington Freedom of the WPS league. As an all PUMA league, WPS will supply a league-partnered logo to display on all the United FC female team jerseys. This special affiliation with WPS and the Freedom will enhance the look and ensure a connection for United FC teams and players that includes attending league games and player clinics with the pros. “This is an unbelievable connection for our girls’ teams and players and one that most clubs are not afforded,” says Heather Pedersen, director of player development for girls. “Our girls’ program has become a priority for our club, and this is another example of United FC’s dedication to providing quality opportunities for the players and members. Playing college soccer and possibly beyond is not out of reach for several girls in our program. An affiliation with PUMA North America and WPS will give our players a firsthand look at professional women’s soccer and what it takes to make it at that level.”
About Chesterfield United FC:
Chesterfield United FC is a Richmond, Virginia-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Serving as a PUMA TCC Club, United FC has partnerships with some of the top organizations and facilities in Central Virginia including Chesterfield County’s Harry G Daniel (Ironbridge) Park for its outdoor programming as well as the Sports Center of Richmond (SCOR) indoor for youth programming and for Richmond United FC, a PASL minor league team, which serves as the top of the club pyramid. The club offers a variety of playing level options (recreation, developmental and travel), cost packages, and opportunities for youth and adults alike. United FC aims to pioneer, develop, and continuously be on the cutting edge of youth soccer in the greater Richmond area and the country. Click here to view the United FC 2010 programming guide. 
