Chesterfield United FC is proud to announce that directors of player development, Cristian Neagu and Heather Pedersen, have recently been awarded the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "A" coaching license.  The USSF "A" coaching license is the highest level offered in the United States and is the culmination of several years of progression through the US Soccer coaching schools. 

Long time players and coaches in the United Soccer Leagues (USL), Cristian and Heather had very successful collegiate playing careers at VCU and Eastern Michigan prior to joining the Richmond Kickers (PDL) and Hampton Roads Piranhas (W League), advancing to the final four and winning a national championship respectively.  After a successful run with the Kickers, Neagu served as player/coach for the Fredericksburg Gunners (PDL) from 2007-2009 leading the team into the second round of the US Open Cup in 2009. Cristian joined the United FC staff in the fall of 2007 and Heather took on the reigns as the girl's director for Chesterfield in the summer of 2009.

The "A" license course took place in Tampa Florida, over eight days, in early January with the focus on high level tactics, team management, organization of training and the overall ability to create the proper environment for team and player development.  "This is a great honor for Cristian and Heather to accomplish and will only foster their growth as coaches and strengthen their ability to develop players and teams." says Technical Director Kevin Darcy.  "More than the license itself; the information, professionalism and experience gained during the intense course training is invaluable for them and will enhance the United FC program offerings now and in the future."  In addition, United FC continues to strengthen its position in the Richmond market by boasting a technical staff that includes five professional coaching directors, four USSF "A" licensed and one "B" licensed."

In preparation for the spring season and the upcoming 2010-11 soccer year, United FC has strengthened its structure by adjusting the roles and responsibilities for directors Martin Dell and Joe Farrell.  Long time staff member Joe Farrell will assume the role of "Director of Youth Development" which includes running the recreational program, further development of our UDP (transition to travel) as well as the continued direction of the U9-U12 travel academy program.  Martin Dell will serve as "Director of Coaching" and will put his focus on the development of recreational & travel coaches, creating a pathway and contacts for our U16-U18 players with the CAP "College Assistance Program" as well as a continued effort to improve the consistency, professionalism and methodology of the United FC coaching staff.  Neagu and Pedersen will continue to serve as the "Directors of Player Development" for the boys and girls respectively and Technical Director Kevin Darcy will continue to lead the club on and off the field.