Today, I am announcing my retirement from professional soccer.  Well, I must say this has been quite a ride!  Never in my most optimistic of dreams, did I ever believe that I would be blessed with an opportunity to play soccer as my career.  Obviously, these 12 years I have lived a charmed life, getting paid to play a game I love. My experience has been amazing due to a dedicated front office, fabulous fans, terrific teammates, and most of all a great family!

            I know when I first started my professional career, my goal was to find out how good of a soccer player I could become.  I have been blessed to play on some great teams with some wonderful players, including our US Open Cup Championship team in 1995.  Yet, success on the field was only a small part of the experience. I found there was something more important to me than winning and losing, the ability to make a difference in our community.  I know I have done my best to be a positive role model both on and off the field, and I am hopeful that my efforts were contagious for others.  Some of my highlights were volunteering with my teammates at The Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and countless soccer related appearances around Richmond. I am proud of my teammates for being so active in Richmond, and I know we appreciate the support we have received from you guys, our amazing fans.

            As for my future, I will continue working as a motivational speaker throughout Virginia while also volunteering over the holidays with The Salvation Army.  I am committed to staying involved in soccer in Richmond in fact, I need to buy my 2005 Kickers season ticket package this afternoon.  Thanks again for allowing me to represent you.  Remember to dream high, work harder, and keep on smiling!

                                                                             Yours in soccer......rob ukrop

              Buy your 2005 Richmond Kickers flexi-pack at www.richmondkickers.com