Club Soccer in Richmond, VA: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026)
TL;DR: Richmond has 5 club soccer programs on ClubScout with confirmed league affiliations. FC Richmond is the clear anchor — founded in 1985, 1,500+ members, competing in MLS NEXT (boys) and Girls Academy (girls), with one of the most credentialed coaching staffs in the state. For boys at the ECNL level, Richmond has two separate ECNL Boys clubs: Richmond Strikers and Richmond United — the latter formed from a merger and now serving 10,000+ members. Below the top tier, Virginia Revolution (NAL) and FC Virginia (EDP) round out the competitive landscape. Annual costs range from roughly $2,000 at the competitive level to $7,000+ at MLS NEXT. Based on ClubScout data from 5 clubs in the Richmond metro. This guide covers factual information only — no rankings, no subjective claims.
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How This Guide Works
We're not ranking these clubs or making subjective judgments about quality. Every family's situation is different — what matters is finding the right fit based on your location, your child's age and competitive level, and your family's schedule and budget.
For each club, we list factual information: league affiliations (confirmed from our database), program structure, age groups, cost where available, and leadership details from enrichment data. Use this as a starting point, then visit clubs, watch practices, and talk to current parents. Our guide on how to choose a club covers what to look for in depth, and our coach evaluation guide has specific questions worth asking at every tryout.
For families new to club soccer, our recreational vs. travel soccer guide explains the differences, and our age-by-age guide covers what to expect at each stage. If cost is a primary concern, see our club soccer budget guide. For the full statewide picture — including Northern Virginia's 15+ top-tier clubs and Hampton Roads — see our Club Soccer in Virginia guide.
Richmond Clubs at a Glance
| Club | Leagues | Gender | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Richmond | MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, NPL | Coed | Founded 1985, 1,500+ members |
| Richmond United | ECNL Boys | Boys | 10,000+ members; formed from merger |
| Richmond Strikers | ECNL Boys | Boys | Long-established Richmond program |
| Virginia Revolution | NAL | — | Competitive tier below ECNL |
| FC Virginia | EDP | — | Regional competitive play |
For a primer on what these league names mean, see our guides to MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, ECNL, NPL, and EDP. For head-to-head comparisons, see ECNL vs Girls Academy, Girls Academy vs DPL, and MLS NEXT vs EDP.
The Anchor Club: FC Richmond
FC Richmond
Location: Richmond, VA Leagues: MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, NPL Gender: Coed Members: 1,500+ Founded: 1985
FC Richmond is the oldest and largest top-tier club in the Richmond metro. Founded by Dave Amsler in 1985, the club has developed over 800 college players and 20 National Team players across its nearly 40-year history — a track record that matters when evaluating program claims.
The club's competitive programs run under two brand families: Magic (boys) and Mystx (girls). At the top level, Magic Elite (MLS NEXT) and Mystx Elite (Girls Academy) are the flagship programs. Below that, Magic Classic and Mystx Classic serve competitive players not at the Elite tier. The Futures and ADP (Advanced Development Program) programs sit below Classic and provide a structured developmental pathway for younger players. FC Richmond also runs recreational programs, TOPSoccer (for players with disabilities), and a Junior Board of Directors leadership program — an unusual organizational investment in player development beyond the field.
Coaching staff is where FC Richmond stands out for a Richmond-market club:
| Name | Role | Credentials |
|---|---|---|
| Trip Ellis | Executive Director / Technical Director | USSF A License, USSF National Youth License, former professional player |
| Trip Dunville | Boys Director of Coaching | USSF National A License, USSF National Y License |
| Marty Beall | Girls Director of Coaching | USSF B License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, NSCAA Master's Diploma |
| Ryan Taylor | Director of Goalkeeping | Former USL Pro player, collegiate All-American |
| Gabby Muncy | Director of Leadership Development | Master's degree in Sport Leadership |
| Kris South | Director of Operations | Master's in Sports Management, Ohio State |
USSF A and National A licensees running the boys and girls programs, a former USL professional in the goalkeeping role, and a dedicated Director of Leadership Development — this is the staff depth you typically see at clubs two to three times the size of most regional programs. For families evaluating coaching credentials, this is the benchmark in Richmond. For context on what coaching licenses mean, see our coach evaluation guide.
FC Richmond's "Beyond the Game" philosophy extends to leadership development, academic support, and community engagement — programs like the Junior Board of Directors reflect a club that takes the non-soccer side of player development seriously.
Confirmed leagues: MLS NEXT (boys top tier), Girls Academy (girls top tier), NPL (National Premier Leagues, secondary).
For how Girls Academy compares to ECNL on the girls' side, see ECNL vs Girls Academy. For MLS NEXT boys pathway context, see MLS NEXT vs ECNL and MLS NEXT vs EDP.
View FC Richmond on ClubScout →
ECNL Boys Clubs
Richmond has two separate clubs competing in ECNL Boys — the top national pathway for boys players alongside MLS NEXT. This gives Richmond boys players a genuine choice at the national-pathway level.
Richmond United
Location: Richmond, VA Leagues: ECNL Boys Gender: Boys (ECNL program) Members: 10,000+ Contact: communications@richmondunited.com
Richmond United was formed from the merger of Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers Youth — two of the most established clubs in the region. The result is one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the United States by membership. At 10,000+ members, Richmond United operates at a scale that gives it facility access, staffing resources, and program breadth that most clubs can't match.
Their programs span the full competitive ladder: ECNL Boys (top tier), competitive travel soccer, pre-travel academy, soccer schools, Little Kicks (youngest players), futsal, goalkeeper development, and spring camps and clinics. The Rise Up Fund provides financial assistance for families who need support — worth asking about directly if cost is a factor.
Tryout details: The 2026-27 season had Talent ID and Tryout registration open, with full dates, registration process, and club policies available through their registration portal. Check their website for current timing.
Richmond United's ECNL Boys program competes at the same national level as FC Richmond's MLS NEXT program — different organization, same top-tier league structure. For boys families choosing between the two: ECNL Boys and MLS NEXT are both top national pathways. For how they compare, see our MLS NEXT vs ECNL comparison.
View Richmond United on ClubScout →
Richmond Strikers
Location: Richmond, VA Leagues: ECNL Boys Gender: Boys
Richmond Strikers is one of the historic names in Richmond club soccer, competing in ECNL Boys. We have limited enrichment data for the Strikers in our current database. Given their ECNL Boys membership, they compete at the same national-pathway level as Richmond United.
Note: Richmond United was formed from a merger that included Richmond Strikers. Our database currently shows both as separate entities with ECNL Boys membership. Before committing, contact both clubs to understand current program structure, age groups served, and how the two organizations are now differentiated.
View Richmond Strikers on ClubScout →
Competitive-Level Clubs
These clubs compete in NAL or EDP — strong competitive structures that sit below the top tier. Good options for players not yet at or pursuing the national-pathway level, or for families looking to balance soccer with other commitments.
Virginia Revolution
Location: Richmond, VA Leagues: National Academy League (NAL) Gender: —
Virginia Revolution competes in the National Academy League, a structured developmental pathway that provides competitive play at a level below ECNL and MLS NEXT. We have limited enrichment data for Virginia Revolution currently. Contact the club directly for age groups, team structure, and tryout timing.
View Virginia Revolution on ClubScout →
FC Virginia
Location: Richmond, VA Leagues: EDP Soccer Gender: —
FC Virginia competes in EDP Soccer (Eastern Development Program). EDP has a larger footprint in the Northeast than in Virginia — the state's travel structure tends to run through NCSL and VYSA state leagues below the top tier — but FC Virginia provides a recognized regional competitive option for Richmond families. We have limited enrichment data for this club. Contact them directly for program details, age groups, and costs.
For context on where EDP sits in the competitive landscape, see MLS NEXT vs EDP and ECNL-RL vs EDP vs NECSL.
View FC Virginia on ClubScout →
Understanding Richmond's Soccer Landscape
FC Richmond's Position
Richmond's club soccer market is defined by one anchor club. FC Richmond's 40-year history, 1,500+ members, top-tier presence in both MLS NEXT and Girls Academy, and credential-heavy coaching staff make it the natural starting point for any Richmond family researching top-level soccer. Most comparable cities this size have one competitive option at the national tier — Richmond has one, plus two ECNL Boys alternatives.
That's actually a meaningful advantage: boys families in Richmond have three top-national-pathway clubs to evaluate. Girls families at the top tier effectively have FC Richmond's Mystx Elite (Girls Academy) as the primary local option; for more choices, they may look to Northern Virginia (10 Girls Academy clubs) or Hampton Roads.
Boys Pathway in Richmond
For boys players, the options at the top tier are:
- MLS NEXT: FC Richmond (Magic Elite)
- ECNL Boys: Richmond United; Richmond Strikers
MLS NEXT and ECNL Boys are both legitimate national-pathway programs. MLS NEXT feeds directly into MLS academy structures. ECNL Boys competes in national conferences and showcases against programs across the country. Neither is objectively "better" — the right choice depends on club fit, coaching philosophy, cost, and your player's profile. See our MLS NEXT vs ECNL comparison for a detailed breakdown.
Below the top tier, Virginia Revolution (NAL) and FC Virginia (EDP) offer competitive play for players who aren't pursuing the top national pathway.
Girls Pathway in Richmond
FC Richmond's Mystx Elite (Girls Academy) is the primary top-tier girls program in the Richmond market. Girls Academy is one of the two top national leagues for girls, alongside ECNL. For how they compare, see ECNL vs Girls Academy.
If FC Richmond isn't the right fit — level, culture, cost — the nearest Girls Academy clubs outside Richmond are in Northern Virginia (a 90-minute drive without traffic) and Hampton Roads. Richmond families whose daughter is at or near the top tier should evaluate FC Richmond thoroughly before assuming they need to travel. FC Richmond's Mystx Elite has the credentials to back up top-tier competition.
FC Richmond also fields Mystx Classic and Futures programs for girls who want competitive club soccer without the full Girls Academy commitment. These are worth knowing about: not every player is ready for the top tier at U12, and having a developmental ladder within the same organization matters.
What Richmond Club Soccer Costs
We don't have confirmed published fee data from most Richmond clubs. Based on comparable programs in our database and Virginia market data:
| Level | Estimated Annual Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EDP / NAL (competitive) | $2,000–$4,000 | Regional competition, less travel |
| NPL (national tier-2) | $2,500–$4,500 | Regional + national events |
| ECNL Boys | $3,500–$6,500 | National showcases, year-round |
| Girls Academy | $3,500–$6,000 | National showcases, dedicated coaching |
| MLS NEXT | $4,000–$7,000+ | Full national program, travel-heavy |
These estimates don't include uniform kits ($150–$400 in year 1), tournament fees ($500–$1,500), or family travel costs. In your first year, plan for the high end. For a full breakdown of what these costs cover, see our travel soccer cost guide and soccer on a budget guide. Families managing multiple kids in club soccer should read our multiple kids guide.
Richmond United explicitly offers the Rise Up Fund for financial assistance — ask about it at tryouts if cost is a constraint. Most clubs won't advertise financial aid unless you ask directly.
Tryout Season
For top-tier clubs (MLS NEXT, ECNL Boys, Girls Academy), tryout season in Virginia typically runs April through July. MLS NEXT and ECNL clubs can begin evaluations as early as April — earlier than many Northeast families expect. Check each club's website for current dates, as tryout windows close quickly. See our tryout preparation guide for what to expect.
Richmond United had 2026-27 Talent ID and Tryout registration open at the time of this writing. FC Richmond runs tryouts for Magic and Mystx programs seasonally — check their website for specific dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FC Richmond the right first call for top-tier soccer in Richmond?
For most Richmond families, yes. FC Richmond has been running top-tier programs since 1985 and holds confirmed MLS NEXT, Girls Academy, and NPL membership. The coaching staff credentials — USSF National A at the boys director level, USSF B + NSCAA Master's Diploma at the girls director level, a former USL professional in goalkeeping — are among the strongest in the state. If FC Richmond's program, cost, or culture isn't the right fit, then look at Richmond United or Richmond Strikers for boys; for girls, Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads programs may be the next step.
What's the difference between Richmond United and Richmond Strikers?
Both compete in ECNL Boys. Richmond United was formed from a merger that included Richmond Strikers and Richmond Kickers Youth and now claims 10,000+ members. Our database shows both as current ECNL Boys clubs. Before making a decision, contact both to understand whether they now serve different age groups, different parts of the Richmond metro, or different program philosophies. Our guide to choosing a club has the framework for evaluating two similar programs side by side.
Is there an ECNL Girls club in Richmond?
No ECNL Girls club in Richmond appears in our current data. FC Richmond's top girls program is Girls Academy (Mystx Elite). For ECNL Girls, families would need to look at Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads clubs. For the difference between ECNL and Girls Academy, see ECNL vs Girls Academy.
When should my kid start competitive club soccer in Richmond?
Most clubs offer competitive programs starting at U9 or U10. Top-tier programs (MLS NEXT, ECNL Boys, Girls Academy) are most relevant from U13 on, though some have U11/U12 teams. FC Richmond's ADP and Futures programs provide a structured developmental pathway at younger ages. See our age-by-age guide for what each level looks like. If your child is coming from recreational soccer, start with recreational vs. travel soccer first.
What if none of these clubs are the right fit?
Richmond's market is more contained than Northern Virginia — if the five clubs here don't work, the realistic next option is looking at Northern Virginia clubs 90+ minutes away. That commute is unsustainable for most families for regular training. Exhaust the local options first: evaluate all five clubs, consider multiple tiers (not just the top tier), and look at whether programs like FC Richmond's Classic or Futures tier might be a better fit before assuming the right answer requires leaving the Richmond metro. If you're considering switching from a current club, see our when to switch clubs guide.
Are there recreational programs in Richmond?
Yes. FC Richmond operates recreational programs and TOPSoccer alongside its competitive offerings. Richmond United fields programs from recreational through elite. For families whose child isn't ready for the competitive commitment — or who want to try soccer before committing to club fees — these rec programs within top-tier organizations provide a clear pathway to competitive play when the time is right.
What to Do Next
- Start with FC Richmond if you're at or near the top tier. For girls, Mystx Elite (Girls Academy) is the primary top-tier option in Richmond. For boys, compare Magic Elite (MLS NEXT), Richmond United (ECNL Boys), and Richmond Strikers (ECNL Boys) — three separate organizations at the national level.
- Check ClubScout profiles. Every linked club name above takes you to their full profile with contact info, parent reviews where available, and current details.
- Register for tryouts early. MLS NEXT and ECNL clubs can start evaluations in April. Tryout registration opens fast and closes fast. See the ClubScout tryout calendar.
- Ask about the full cost picture. Registration fees are just the start. Ask about uniform kit cycles, tournament entry fees, and whether travel is included. See our travel soccer cost guide.
- Talk to current families. Ask about actual weekly schedule, training quality, and whether there's a developmental ladder if your kid is still growing into the sport.
If your player is new to competitive play, start with recreational vs. travel soccer and our age-by-age guide. Considering a switch from a current club? See when to switch clubs.
More Resources
- Club Soccer in Virginia: The Complete State Guide
- How to Choose a Club Soccer Club
- How to Evaluate a Youth Soccer Coach
- ECNL vs Girls Academy: Which Path Is Right for Your Daughter?
- MLS NEXT vs ECNL vs EDP: The Full Comparison
- Girls Academy vs DPL: What Parents Need to Know
- How Much Does Travel Soccer Cost?
- Club Soccer on a Budget: Under $3K/Year
- Your First Travel Soccer Tournament
- College Soccer Recruiting: When Coaches Start Watching
- Compare All Youth Soccer Leagues Side by Side
- Browse All Richmond Clubs on ClubScout
- Browse All Virginia Clubs on ClubScout