Richmond Kickers v AC Boise 5-30-26
The July 3rd weekend is shaping up to be a memorable one for the Richmond Kickers.
An America-themed celebration
The club is also leaning into the patriotic spirit of the weekend. Dubbed the “Red, White & Roo Game” — a nod to the team’s kangaroo mascot — the July 3 match will include a giveaway for the first 1,776 fans to arrive, each of whom will receive a free Kickers T-shirt.
“This game is another fun way to bring the community together,” said Camp Peery, president and COO of the Richmond Kickers. “It should be a fun one leading into the holiday weekend. It’s our country’s 250th birthday, and it’s obviously worth celebrating.”
To build on the Independence Day theme, the Kickers will wear their “Give Me Liberty” kits, which feature Patrick Henry’s famous line, “Give me liberty or give me death.”
The design of the kit was inspired by one of the most historic moments in the city of Richmond, one that helped spark the American Revolution.
“We’re Richmond’s team,” said Peery. “People love the uniforms. We’re kind of weaving history into a lot of things we’re doing promotionally.”
Richmond Kickers’ former assistant coach Mike Elovaara returns to Richmond with his new Paradise team
As the United States marks its 250th birthday that weekend on July 4, the Richmond Kickers will also welcome back a familiar face: beloved former assistant coach Mika Elovaara, who returns to Richmond for the first time as head coach of Sarasota Paradise.
“He was our long-time assistant coach, and now he’s the head coach of Sarasota,” said Peery. “Mika was a pillar in the soccer community, so it will be great to welcome him back.”
Elovaara first joined the Richmond Kickers in 2019 as head assistant coach and director of player development and methodology. In 2023, he expanded his role by also serving as technical director for Richmond United, helping align player development pathways under one unified approach across the Richmond soccer community.
Peery said it’s always exciting to see successful assistant coaches take the next step in their careers.
“We want to make sure our coaching staff has great opportunities,” said Peery. “He had the chance to move from assistant coach to head coach, and he took it. We’re excited to welcome him back — but of course, we still want to beat him.”
With the July 3 Richmond Kickers game, Elovaara’s return and all the Independence Day celebrations, Richmond’s “Summer of Soccer” has arrived with a bang.
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