RICHMOND, Va. – On Monday, the Richmond Kickers announced a partnership with local non-profit First Touch Sports that is designed to strengthen soccer programming in Richmond’s underserved communities.

First Touch Sports, which was co-founded by David and Sarah Glass in 2011, currently operates after-school soccer programs at seven Title 1 elementary schools in Chesterfield County and provides opportunities with recreational and travel teams for players from low-income families as well as a High School Summer League and summer training for elementary and middle school students.

The Kickers will provide the organization with marketing and sponsorship support, licensed uniforms, competitive scheduling for recreational teams and a pathway into the Kickers’ travel program.

“[First Touch Sports is] a great way to maybe initially have contact with kids to get them involved, but we want to place kids appropriately to their level of commitment and skill,” said David Glass.

Glass believes the partnership, which has already begun to place some of First Touch Sports’ top talents onto Richmond United Development Academy teams, is a mutually beneficial one as the non-profit gets higher-level coaching and additional opportunities for its participants while the club continues to make an impact in its community while also unearthing promising young players.