RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers on Tuesday announced the signing of local Richmond talent Simon Fitch for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval.

"Simon is a local player who played his youth soccer in Richmond and attended Virginia Commonwealth University with a lot of success,” Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky said. “Our relationship with the staff at VCU is good and we want to showcase local players that are from here and want to be here. Simon is a hard-nosed, hard-working defender with bite who likes to get forward in the attack. He is a great young addition to our locker room and we are looking forward to his growth this year."

Fitch returns to the Kickers after previously featuring for the club as a Richmond United Academy player during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The Richmond native’s signature appearance as a youth player came in July 2017 against Swansea City A.F.C. in an international friendly at City Stadium.

From 2018-21, Fitch represented his hometown as a member of the VCU men’s soccer team where he started every single match for head coach Dave Giffard. He was a member of the Atlantic-10 All-Academic team each season.

Fitch enjoyed an exceptional senior season, logging a team-high 1,691 minutes played while leading the team with three game-winning goals – including the winner over No. 7 Wake Forest – from the left back position. He also recorded two assists during the season including an assist on 2021 Kickers member Damian Gallegos’ first collegiate goal which earned the Rams a 1-1 draw over No. 4 UNC.

“I was very excited when Darren and his staff showed interest in me,” Fitch said. “Specifically, once I got to learn more about his vision for the club and the non-negotiable values that serve as the foundation for his group of players, I knew the Kickers was the right place for me.

“It’s humbling to be able to return to the Kickers after being a part of the youth club, the academy program, and VCU, because it gives me a tremendous opportunity to give back to the city and community that has provided me with countless opportunities and ultimately made me into the player I am today.”

Fitch earning his spot on the Kickers as a full professional fulfills a childhood dream to play for his hometown club as it prepares for its historic 30th consecutive season.

“I still remember coming to games at City Stadium at a very young age to watch players like Mike Burke, Sascha Görres, and Ronnie Pascale,” Fitch said. “As a kid growing up in Richmond, I idolized these guys and dreamed of one day following in their footsteps.” 

In the summers between college soccer seasons, Fitch played down I-64 for Lionsbridge FC of USL League Two. He started 25 matches in 26 appearances while scoring four goals and two assists. He reunites with teammate Matt Bentley who also played with Lionsbridge during the Summer 2021 season.

“Playing for Lionsbridge, the most well-run organization in USL League Two, was a tremendous experience for me,” Fitch said. “Not only did my game develop in their environment, but I learned what professional soccer is all about here in the US. 

“Similar to the Red Army, the support from the 'Defenders of the Bridge' at Lionsbridge was outstanding, and it showed me how big of an impact you as a player can have on young aspiring players as well as the community as a whole; a lesson I hope to carry forward in my time with The Kickers.

“I think my personal goals align with the team’s goals in all honesty,” Fitch said. “On the field, I’m just focused on contributing as much as possible to help us win as many games as we can. Off the field, I hope to develop connections with those that make soccer in the city of Richmond so special and give back to the community in whatever capacity I can.”