Coaches
are members of the Richmond
Kickers of the United Soccer League (professional soccer) and are
experienced youth coaches. They are given suggested material and have
experience with private and small group coaching with youth players.
Coaches stand behind the mission of Corban Soccer and truely care about
the development of each student. -- "THEY WON'T CARE WHAT YOU KNOW
IF THEY DON'T KNOW THAT YOU CARE." --
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Luke
Vercollone |
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Midfielder.
Richmond Kickers (Director of Operations)
After helping Seton Hall
University to 3 straight NCAA tournament appearances (captain,
1st Team All Big East Conference), Luke was drafted into the MLS
in 2004 and played 2 seasons with the New England Revolution.
He has played professional soccer at all levels in the U.S. including
2 national champion PDL Seasons with the Cape Cod Crusaders (02,
03, captain and MVP). Following an MLS Finals with the Revolution
in 2005, Vercollone signed with the Charleston Battery (USL I)
for 2 successful seasons and is now preparing for his third season
with the Kickers. Luke coaches with the Kickers youth club, has
his NSCAA Advanced Regional Coaching diploma, USSF National B
License, and has 15 years of coaching experience. Vercollone Credits
his successful coaching style to the 10 summers he got to teach
the youth at soccer camp, playing with and helping his 9 younger
siblings, and the top level coaching he's received throughout
his career. He earned a BA in Sports Management from Seton Hall. |
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Henry
Kalungi |
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Defender.
Richmond Kickers
Former U-20 Uganda National Team standout
Henry Kalungi brings strength and talent to Richmond Kickers back
line. Starting every game in his rookie season (2009) with the
Kickers, Henry led all field players in minutes, anchoring the
leagues best defense. Kalungi graduated from Winthrop University
where he earned “All-Big South” team honors and Team
MVP (2006). He played his summer ball with the Fredericksburg
Gunners and has coached with the Kickers as well as littleKICKS. |
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Adrian
Bumbut |
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Forward.
Richmond Kickers
A native of Zalau, Romania, Adrian was
drafted by the Chicago Fire in the second round of the MLS Supplemental
Draft out of Liberty University. Adrian joined the Kickers pro
team after spending a season with the Richmond Kickers Future
of the Premier Development League. He burst onto the scoring scene
in July 2008, notching two goals and four assists last summer.
He earned USL 2 Team of the Week honors three times last season.
Bumbut returns to his second season with the Kickers after winning
the National professional indoor soccer championship with the
Baltimore Blast last winter. He is passionate about helping players
improve with a vast coaching experience: Fredricksburg Gunners,
Liberty summer camps, and Kickers youth soccer.
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William
Yomby |
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Defender.
Richmond Kickers
Drafted by the Kansas City Wizards in
the 2008 MLS SuperDraft before joining Puerto Rico last spring.
The native of Batoussam, Cameroon made five appearances with the
Islanders in 2008. Upon graduating high school from Lycee Classique
Bafoussam in Cameroon, William attended the University of Oschang
in 2004 where he led the men?s soccer team to the Championship
title. He participated in the University Games held in Dschang,
helping the team claim a gold medal. The following year, he transferred
to Old Dominion University where he made an immediate impact,
selected to the CAA All-Rookie Team that season. Making 48 appearances
over three seasons, the 6?4? defender earned All-CAA Second Team
honors and was named to the CAA All-Tournament and All-State teams.
Additionally, William had a one-year stint with the Hampton Roads
Piranhas of the USL Premier Development League in 2007.
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Other coaches may be available upon request.
TOO YOUNG FOR RETIREMENT

By JOHN PACKETT
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER (June, 2008)
Luke Vercollone was more than a little concerned about his future in
soccer. The 26-year-old midfielder had been told that his contract with
the Charleston Battery (United Soccer Leagues First Division) would
not be renewed. After four years in the professional game, was it time
to look for a job in the real world? "I just had to basically decide
if I wanted to continue playing or not," said Vercollone, who signed
with the Richmond Kickers in the offseason. "But the more time
I took off, the more I needed to play. I love it, and I missed it too
much. I was looking for a team where I could play and coach, so this
is definitely a good fit." Richmond coach Leigh Cowlishaw feels
the same way about Vercollone, who will make his ninth start when the
Kickers (4-4-0) entertain the Bermuda Hogges (2-4-0) today at 7 p.m.
in a USL2 match at University of Richmond Stadium.
"When we heard he was available, we certainly recruited
very hard to get him," Cowlishaw said. "He's the consummate
professional. All heart. He'll run all day. He'll do the extra work
for everybody. He's always positive. These are the type of players you
want on the team if you're going to be a successful, championship team.
These type of players make a difference." When he was drafted in
the fifth round (2004) out of Seton Hall by the Columbus Crew (Major
League Soccer), Vercollone thought he would be making a difference at
the highest level of U.S. pro soccer. But he quickly was traded to the
New England Revolution, where he was used mostly on the developmental
(reserve) squad for two years. "That was good because that's where
I'm from," said the native of Pembroke, Mass. "I played a
few games with the first team and captained the developmental team."
After being released by New England, he signed with Charleston,
where he played in every game for two years, producing three goals and
six assists for the Battery."Being at the higher level is nice,
but it was tough sitting on the bench," the 5-10 160-pounder said.
"I've been much happier now. I really enjoyed playing with Charleston
and now with Richmond. It's a good level, good competition." Vercollone
started this season as more of a defensive midfielder but has since
moved into more of an attacking position in the central midfield. "He
has such versatility," Cowlishaw said. "Right now, he's in
the center, where he can do a lot of the dirty work, clean up all the
defensive plays -- pick up all the trash -- and start an attack for
us. He's very mobile and can join the attack. He gets himself in fantastic
positions out wide. I think he's just got to clean up the quality of
the final finish, and he could score a lot of goals."
With a degree in sports management, Vercollone would like
to get into coaching and/or campus ministry one day. He's coaching one
of the Kickers' youth teams this season. Vercollone got married a couple
of months ago and bought a house in Midlothian, so this could be a place
for him to settle down. "I still love playing and I enjoy helping
young kids get better, too," he said. "After last season in
Charleston, I knew I was getting married and I wanted a little bit of
security. Wanted to be able to plan our future, and in soccer, that's
always tough to find. I guess I'm getting old."
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ONE VERSUS ELEVEN (September 2008)
Meet Midfielder... Luke Vercollone
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Luke Vercollone credits his hard-working and competitive
nature to growing up with 10 siblings in Pembroke, Massachusetts. Joining
the Kickers after a combined four seasons in MLS and USL-1, his work
ethic paid off in his first season with the Kickers where he started
21 matches, notching two goals and two assists. Recently married to
Andrea Rutherford and an active member of the speaker’s bureau
for Catholic Athletes for Christ, Luke is the first Kickers player to
sign on with Richmond Kickers Indoor. Get to know Luke as he balances
life as newlywed, his passion for coaching and leading the newest indoor
team in town to victory!
1. What was it like growing up with 10 siblings?
Fun. Always something going on. Never boring. I just thought all the
chaos was normal and got used to it. It was great always being able
to find someone to compete with.
2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would
you go and why?
Hawaii. My wife and I wanted to go there on our honeymoon but couldn’t
since we were in season when we got married. We plan on going someday.
3. What three accomplishments have given you the most
satisfaction?
1. Marrying my wife Andrea; I have always dreamed of getting married
and Andrea has surprised my most ambitious dreams. 2. Signing a contract
with the New England Revolution (MLS) – another dream realized.
3. Signing with the Kickers – I was so happy to get the opportunity
to continue to play soccer when I thought I would have to move on to
another occupation.
4. If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you
be doing?
Living in Colorado near my wife’s family. I can’t imagine
not playing right now and I’d still be involved in the sport as
a coach. I always want to be able to support my family doing what I
am passionate about and I hope I’ll be able to do that wherever
I live.
5. Who is your greatest role model? Why?
I love St. Frances of Assisi because he was a humble servant of God
and a Knight for Christ. My parents have also been a great positive
influence in my life.
6. What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
My competitive spirit; desire to win and do my best; doing all things
for God’s glory.
7. What was it like playing in MLS?
It was a great experience. I was so fortunate to play near my family
and friends in Massachusetts. I learned a lot those first two years
and grew a lot as a player. It was cool because it was what I had always
dreamed of doing. However, it is never easy sitting on the bench and
the soccer side of things was tough at times.
8. How did it feel to be asked for your autograph for
the first time?
I remember signing some of my first autographs as a pro with the Revs
and thought it was really neat since I had been practicing my signature
since I was young.
9. How do you strive to be a role model to your children
or children you coach?
I think that leading by example is most important and trying to be conscious
about how I act around young people. I relate well to the children since
I grew up around so many young siblings and I just be myself and have
fun with them.
10. What is the best experience you have had so far?
I really enjoyed walking into Gillette Stadium to my own locker and
jersey for the Revolution. I have had many great experiences with the
sport but my favorite is always looking forward to the next game with
excited anticipation.
11. What do you like most about playing for the Richmond
Kickers?
I like my teammates, environment, and level of play. The attitudes and
chemistry may be the best of any team I’ve played on and that
has helped us succeed.
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