We’re excited to announce the appointment of Pat McStay as the Richmond United Blue Director. McStay is currently the Richmond Strikers Director of Coaching, U13-U19 Boys and Girls. This new position will fully take effect for the 2025-26 season.
Meet the Director:
Pat McStay – Richmond United Blue Director
Pat McStay joined the Richmond Strikers as the Director of Coaching in July 2021, building on his extensive leadership experience in youth soccer development. Before the Strikers, he served as the Executive Director and Technical Director for Chesterfield Strikers and held Director of Coaching positions with VA Legacy (Williamsburg, VA) and Kansas Rush (Olathe, Kansas).
Pat currently holds an impressive array of certifications, including a USSF A License, USSF Director’s License, USC Premier Diploma, USC Director of Coaching Diploma, Ajax Coaching Academy’s “Our 3 Pillars” Certification, WFA Advanced Periodization and Football Tactics Certificates, La Liga Formation 3 and 2 Certifications, FA Psychology I Certificate, and PFSA Levels I in Opposition Analysis and Talent Identification. He also possesses an FCE Advanced Periodisation Diploma and other specialized credentials that demonstrate his commitment to high-level coaching and player development.
In addition to his Richmond United responsibilities, Pat is the Head of Scouting (US) for the Marshall Islands and Samoa. His passion for player development and strategic leadership is evident in his ongoing work as the Director of the ECNL Heritage Project. A former collegiate soccer player at Virginia Wesleyan, Pat also served as an assistant coach at the University of Lynchburg while earning his MBA. His multifaceted background and dedication make him a pivotal part of Richmond United’s mission to elevate youth soccer in the region.
Richmond United Blue Overview:
Richmond United Blue, U13 thru U19 age groups only, will serve as the pinnacle of our Regional League pyramid, comprising top players from the current Kickers and Strikers RL teams, as well as external talent. They will attend 5 tournaments (a mix of ECNL RL and non-ECNL RL), train 3 times a week (a mix of North and South training locations throughout the year), and play in the Virginia ECNL Regional League (opposite of the RU Orange and RU Red teams).
Stay tuned as we continue to introduce our talented team of directors for Richmond United programs over the next week. Follow us on social media, @richmondunited, to learn more about the individuals shaping the future of our club.
