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Richmond Strikers Arsenal Program Bound for Europe
June 28- July 6, 2012

Richmond Strikers are proud to announce that the Arsenal Program has been invited by Arsenal FC to travel to London and Greece this summer.


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Richmond Strikers U14 Pre Academy/Arsenal- Open Tryouts

Richmond Strikers U14 Pre Academy/Arsenal Technical Training Program - Open Tryouts

Click here for more information


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Exclusive interview with Steve Morrow from Arsenal.com

Arsenal legend, Steve Morrow, discusses youth development and his role at the club

http://www.arsenal.com/usa/news/features/morrow-on-his-role-at-the-club-part-two

Coach Spotlight: Danny Karbassiyoon

Danny Karbassiyoon used to play for Arsenal FC. He now coaches here at the club as an assistant in our Arsenal program in addition to being a North American scout for the Gunners. Danny is the perfect fit for both clubs: Arsenal and Richmond Strikers. To learn more about Danny and see him in action for the Gunners click here


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Arsenal update: November 2010
Steve Morrow checks in with players and staff

 

Last month, Arsenal announced a new initiative with Nike and the Richmond Strikers.  The initiative, which is being offered to a select group of young players in central Virginia, incorporates a specially designed Arsenal technical program created with input from former Arsenal player and current Arsenal International Partnerships Performance Supervisor, Steve Morrow.

This past week, Arsenal legend Steve Morrow visited the Richmond Strikers to check in on our elite group of boys and to offer his guidance and input to the players and staff.  The club’s DOC, Bob Jenkins, and former Gunner Danny Karbassiyoon are the coaches in charge of implementing this groundbreaking program.

With a regimen of technical training that includes practicing 5 and 6 days per week plus additional time with the ball at home, the boys are improving their ball mastery at an accelerated pace.

Steve Morrow added, "I think we achieved a lot on the field this week and I am positive the boys will continue to make good progress. I look forward to hearing the reports from Bob and Danny and visiting again soon."

Bob Jenkins added, "As we enter the 14th week off training with these guys, it is clear to all of the staff that the players have shown tremendous improvement.  At the same time, we also know that there is more work to be done in order to reach the Arsenal standard.  We are all looking forward to the progress that the next 14 weeks will bring."

Overview of Arsenal Program

Richmond Strikers Technical Relationship with Arsenal FC, UK

Background

In July, 2010, the Richmond Strikers entered into a technical relationship with Arsenal FC, UK .

The Strikers are proud to have been chosen by Arsenal FC to initiate a pilot program in the United States that seeks to develop top class soccer players.   Arsenal is considered one of the top five soccer clubs in the world and is renowned for its focus on youth development.  This program is a joint venture that also includes Nike.

Program Details

In accordance with Arsenal’s plan, every two years a relatively small group of boys, between 11-13 years old will be hand picked to participate in a specialized technical program that will last through high school graduation.  The program has been implemented and designed by the Arsenal staff using Arsenal curriculum and is currently being executed by Strikers’ DOC Bob Jenkins, Strikers’ coach Trevor Spencer and Arsenal FC scout for North America Danny Karbassiyoon.

Arsenal Staff will be involved in on-site coaching and evaluation at specific times during the year.

This program is not for everyone.  It is designed to attract and develop the very top level player in the region who has both the required talent and commitment.   

This is an intensive 10 month program that requires the players to train an average of 10-12 hours per week.  Because of this time commitment, players selected into the program will not have the time to participate in other extra-curricular activities. 

The program’s focus is on developing a player’s technical ability.  Because of this emphasis, the first few years of the curriculum will focus on technical repetition, with less focus on organized competition. Therefore, players involved in the Arsenal Technical program will compete in non-league events in the first few years of the program.  Beginning in the Fall of 2011, players selected for this program will not participate on a Strikers’ Elite teams until they move into the US Developmental Academy at the U-16 level.

Questions about this program should be directed to Bob Jenkins by e-mailing him at bob@richmondstrikers.com.

 

  

 Arsenal announce Richmond Strikers project
www.arsenal.com

 

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to announce that it is working with American youth soccer club Richmond Strikers and kit partner Nike, offering technical assistance in a joint project that offers a unique training program for a selected group of young players in the Virginia state to further enhance their development.

The Richmond Strikers, a Nike Premier Club, currently provides both recreational and elite player programs that help develop the skills and foundation knowledge of children aged 5-18 year olds. This new initiative has been implemented at the Strikers’ soccer complex in Richmond by Director of Coaching and former Youth U.S. National Team coach Bob Jenkins, and incorporates a specially designed Arsenal technical program created with input from Arsenal legend and International Partnerships Performance Supervisor Steve Morrow. Arsenal plans to expand the program in the coming years, with the long term aim of finding talent in the States to compete at a professional level. 

Morrow said of the program: “As a club we are dedicated in offering support to not only grassroots initiatives but also activity that helps develop footballing talent across the globe in a constructive and visionary way, whether that be through club-run soccer schools or by supporting third party operatives. Having played and coached in the States I know the talent level is really high, there’s great potential that we can help develop with elite player programs. It’s a market that we believe in a lot and, working alongside the Richmond Strikers who are committed to providing attendees with a dynamic and progressive approach, we are excited about the venture.”

Bob Jenkins, Richmond Strikers Director of Coaching added: “We are honored to be chosen by Arsenal FC to implement this new program in the United States. We believe, with Arsenal’s direction and support, the Richmond Strikers will be a leader in the evolution of youth soccer in this country.

“The ability to partner Arsenal FC with the Richmond Strikers is unique and will significantly enhance the development of the Strikers Youth Academy”, said Nike’s Director of Soccer Sports Marketing for North America Joe Elsmore.  "We look forward to bringing the most innovative apparel and footwear to the partnership."