RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers today announced the signing of defender Stephen Payne for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

"Stephen has some experience as a young pro that we were looking to add this year,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “He has played internationally and he is comfortable in a couple of positions on the field. He gets involved in the attack well from deep positions and he can play up a line attacking from the flank. We think he will play an important role for us this year as we continue to grow the culture and the level for the fans at City Stadium."

Payne joins the Kickers after spending the first four years of his professional career playing in Portugal; most recently playing for Vilaverdense in Portugal’s third division. He now returns to the states ready to start the next stage of his career after gaining valuable experience overseas.

“What stood out from other teams to me was the fan base and the culture within Richmond,” Payne said. “Coach Darren talked with me that he wants to build a championship team, but he also wants to get players involved in the community.”

“I’m ready to give everything for my teammates, the club, and the city of Richmond for a successful 2022.”

Payne caught the eyes of US Soccer as he was coming up as a youth player. He earned two invitations to the U-18 men’s national team camps in 2014. While in camp, Payne had the opportunity to play in a top CONCACAF rivalry match against Canada. The Stars and Stripes went on to win the match against the Canucks 2-1. He earned one call up to the U-20s camp in London in April 2017 as the team prepared for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

As Payne grew as a player, he had the opportunity to attend trials in France and Italy in 2015 before signing his first contract with Estoril’s second team in Portugal. He would move to Varzim’s second team the following season and work his way up to the club’s first team where he was able to gain significant experience in the Portuguese second division.

In June 2019, first division side Portimonense completed a transfer for Payne from Varzim. He would have the opportunity to play in friendlies and train with the first team while a member of the club. To get additional playing time, Payne was loaned to Mafra in the Portuguese second division, but the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in Spring 2020 would force the league to cancel the remainder of the season.

When play resumed in the lower divisions of Portugal last season, Payne made one last loan move to Vilaverdense to gain more opportunities to play while finishing out his contract.

“Playing in Portugal, getting experience in the first and second division really made me grow playing with high-quality players,” Payne said. “I’m looking forward to continuing learning and bringing my experience to help the team.”

Prior to turning professional, Payne played one season of college soccer at UCLA in 2015. As a freshman, Payne played in 13 matches while notching one goal and one assist. Payne’s assist set up the dramatic equalizer in UCLA’s 4-3 comeback win over UC Irvine that saw the Bruins score four unanswered. His lone goal tally came when he converted from the penalty spot in a 4-0 rout over San Diego State.