Richmond United is proud to announce the signing of current Richmond United player Beckett Howell and former Richmond United player Gabe Cox to USL Academy Contracts with Richmond Kickers Pro. Over the last eight seasons, 12 Richmond United players have signed with the Richmond Kickers pro team.

“We are thrilled to see Beckett and Gabe continue the tradition of Richmond United players signing with the Richmond Kickers pro team,” said Richmond United Boys Director Sascha Görres. “Beckett and Gabe are determined, hard working individuals and have shown tremendous growth during their time with Richmond United. We can’t wait to see them take the next step in their careers and represent the Richmond community at the professional level.”    

Howell joined Richmond United in 2016 from the Richmond Strikers and spent seven seasons with RU. A captain and leader on and off the field, he was a 2020-21 Mid-Atlantic All-Conference Second Team Selection, guiding his U16 team to a fifth place finish in the ECNL National Championship. 

“Since joining Richmond United at Under 12, I have been fortunate to work with outstanding coaches and people. I focused on improving as a player each day and with my teammates, we created memories that will last a lifetime,” Howell said. “Thank you to Richmond United for such an amazing soccer experience. With your help, my dream of playing for a professional team has now become a reality. Thank you to the Kickers Pro for this wonderful opportunity.”

Cox joined Richmond United in 2019 from Fredericksburg FC and was Howell’s teammate during their ECNL National Finals run during the 2020-21 season. The former ECNL Mid-Atlantic U16 Conference Player of the Year joined Columbus Crew for his U17 season before returning to Richmond this year. 

“When you are playing for RU, having a pro organization like the Richmond Kickers in your area is an amazing thing,” said Cox. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow as an Academy player. My time at RU was something I’ll always remember. I was a part of a very successful group. Not only did I develop and win as a player, I also built relationships with people that will be lifelong friends of mine, and I’ll be forever thankful for that.”

About Richmond United

Established in 2014 by the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Strikers, Richmond United’s vision is to offer the most comprehensive and successful player development environment for soccer in Virginia. We will inspire our members, strive to achieve excellence and unite our soccer community. The Richmond United Boys program currently has teams in the U13-19 age groups and competes in the ECNL.

For information about the Richmond United Boys Academy, contact Sascha Görres at sgoerres@richmondutd.com 
or visit 
richmondutd.com