Richmond United is proud to announce several key staff additions and returns ahead of the 2026-27 season, further strengthening the club’s commitment to player development and excellence across all platforms.
Peter Griggs Named ECNL Goalkeeper Director (Starting April 1)
Richmond United welcomes Peter Griggs as the club’s new ECNL Goalkeeper Director beginning April 1.
Griggs joins Richmond United from Pride Soccer Club in Colorado Springs, where he has served as Director of Goalkeeping since 2023. In that role, he oversaw all aspects of goalkeeper development across Recreational, Junior Academy, Competitive, and ECNL platforms. He redesigned and implemented a comprehensive goalkeeper development framework, created individualized development plans, and guided ECNL and ECNL-RL goalkeepers through showcase events and postseason competition.
In addition to his club leadership, Griggs serves as Assistant and Goalkeeper Coach for the Pride Women’s Team in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL), working with collegiate athletes across all three NCAA levels and supporting a player-led environment rooted in their core values of “multi-generational mentorship, accessibility, and community relationship building.”
“I’m thankful to the Richmond United staff for their diligence and support throughout the hiring process — the opportunity to return to RVA after beginning my coaching journey here years ago is incredibly gratifying,” Griggs said. “I can’t wait to arrive and continue the work of aligning the goalkeepers’ ecosystem, empowering them in their development, and supporting Celia and the RU staff as best I can. See everyone soon!”
Previously, Griggs worked at Northern Michigan University, where he served as Goalkeeper Coach for both the men’s and women’s programs from 2020–2023. During his time in Michigan, he also held dual leadership roles with Marquette United SC as Director of Goalkeeping and Director of Coaching, creating structured player pathways, club-wide curriculum, and developmental programming aligned with U.S. Soccer standards.
Griggs holds a U.S. Soccer C License and the United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, along with additional certification in Analyzing Goalkeeper Performance. A graduate of Northern Michigan University with a degree in International Studies and a Spanish minor, Griggs is fluent in Spanish and brings valuable bilingual communication skills to Richmond United families.
His appointment reflects Richmond United’s continued investment in elite-level goalkeeper development and long-term player progression.
Nick Rich Returns as Assistant Coaching Director, U13–U19 (Red) – Starting July 1
Richmond United is excited to welcome back Nick Rich, who will serve as Assistant Coaching Director for the U13-U19 (Red) age groups beginning July 1.
Rich previously held a full-time Program Director role with Richmond Kickers Youth from 2023 to mid-2025 and brings a wealth of high-level coaching and playing experience. Most recently, he served as Elite Boys Director with Kings Hammer Swan City in Central Florida, overseeing programming for U13-U19 players.
“I’m thrilled to be coming back to Richmond United and to bring my family home to the Richmond community. The opportunity to once again play a role in developing players within the Richmond soccer landscape, is something I’m truly excited about,” Rich said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating across both the boys and girls programs and helping guide players as they take the next step in their pathway. Over the past year, I’ve grown both on and off the field, and I’m excited to bring that experience back to help Richmond United continue to build a culture of excellence.”
Prior to being with Richmond Kickers Youth, Rich spent five years as Director of Coaching at VSA in Northern Virginia, managing high school boys programming and overseeing additional club initiatives including camps and technical training. He also has deep ties to the Richmond soccer landscape and previously coached multiple elite girls travel teams while launching Speed, Agility & Quickness (SAQ) and injury prevention programs.
As a player, Rich developed in the academy system at Chelsea F.C. and represented the England Schoolboys U18 squad before moving to the United States. Collegiately, he played at Tusculum College before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he captained the Rams. He also competed professionally in Costa Rica’s top division and won an NPSL National Championship with RVAFC.
Rich holds a USSF B License, National Youth License, ACE Sports Performance Specialist certification, NASM Speed Agility & Quickness certification, NASM Youth Exercise Specialization certification, and is a nationally registered EMT.
His return adds leadership, experience, and a player-centered mindset to Richmond United’s Red programming.
Andre Graham Returns as U11 Pre-ECNL 2 Boys & Girls Coach
Richmond United is also pleased to announce that Andre Graham will return as a coach for the 2026-27 season as U11 Pre-ECNL 2 Boys & Girls Coach.
A Richmond native, Graham developed locally through the Richmond Kickers Youth and FC Richmond before going on to enjoy a four-year collegiate career at Hampden-Sydney College. Following college, he remained deeply involved in the game, competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) while also beginning his coaching career with Chesterfield United.
Graham has rapidly expanded his coaching résumé, serving in leadership roles including Assistant Director with the Chesterfield Strikers and Director of Coaching for FutsalRVA. His diverse background across outdoor and futsal environments brings a well-rounded developmental perspective to Richmond United’s foundation phase.
“As someone who grew up playing in the Richmond soccer community, it is incredibly rewarding to come full circle and reconnect with a club in Richmond United that shares the same developmental outlook for young aspiring players,” Graham said. “I am excited to work with like-minded coaches and directors to help create the best player pathway possible for long-term growth and success!”
Graham’s presence provides valuable experience, local connection, and long-term developmental insight for players progressing through the Pre-ECNL pathway.
With these staff additions and returns, Richmond United continues to build a high-performance environment aligned with its mission to develop players both on and off the field.
For more information about Richmond United programming for the 2026-27 season, visit richmondunited.com.
