Hutchinson & UNKNWN Propel 14 Players into Professional Soccer, Including USL S League & Overseas Opportunities
July 12th 2024 Richmond, VA - Lauryn Hutchinson has had a transformative first half of the year with her newly established UNKNWN Football Club (UK F.C.). Leveraging the club's platform, Hutchinson has successfully propelled 14 players into the professional soccer scene, including placements in the USL S League, USL Academy & Overseas opportunities.
Image by Devin Summer
WPSL & USL Academy Success
UK F.C.'s WPSL semi-pro team has made remarkable progress this season, with four senior players and two youth players advancing to the DC Power Pro team in the newly established Division 1 Women’s Soccer League by USL. Additionally, two youth players from WPSL UK F.C. are on the verge of earning USL Academy contracts in the S League. Three of the senior players distinguished themselves in a closed combine ID session with the Power, with one earning an invitation based on a recommendation from UK F.C.
"This was our first year in the semi-pro world," Hutchinson stated. "I couldn’t be more grateful to the WPSL for providing this opportunity to be scouted for the next level. I’m forever proud of our girls heading into the USL Super League. Our goal with UK F.C. is to highlight undiscovered talent, and that’s exactly what we did."
Image by Andrew Hill
Amanda Fontenot, General Manager of WPSL UK F.C., added, "First, I would like to thank this S League Team (unnamed at this time) for inviting our UK F.C. players into preseason. What an incredible opportunity this is for them. Our players worked tirelessly this summer to prepare for this moment. Lauryn Hutchinson has created an amazing environment where all of our players can grow, learn, and strive for greatness. With high expectations and a challenging training environment, our players are realizing anything is possible. Without Lauryn and her vision and the support of our local community, this wouldn't be possible. This is just the beginning."
Image by Devin Summer
Partnerships and S League Signings
In partnership with Damon Wilson at WMA, Hutchinson and Wilson have three players signed in the S League: Eli Beard with Carolina Ascent, Alyssa Walker with Spokane, and Susanna Friedrichs with DC Power Hutchinson commented, "It's an honor having WMA as a partner and having these players as part of UNKNWN. The younger UK players look up to them so much."
International Opportunities: Iceland & Australia
Iceland: Two UK F.C. men’s players, Zach Fontenot and Yoni Ramirez, along with one women’s player, Michelle Wienecke, are set to trial with Icelandic pro teams. They began their journey on Wednesday, July 10th. Hutchinson expressed, "We have had many UK players play professionally in Iceland, but it’s still an honor to have these teams want to see more from our players. The UK family will be rooting for them all the way."
Images by Devin Summer & Andrew Hill
The UK program is unique, coming together to raise significant funds to help three players pursue their dreams. Hutchinson, General Manager Amanda Fontenot, and the UK coaches organized a 3v3/4v4 fun tournament for the younger UK players, with all proceeds supporting these players. The parents and kids in the UK program united to support the players, recognizing the challenges of attending trials in other countries.
Images by Andrew Hill
Australia: Two UK F.C. men’s players, Alec Mowry and Raquan Bryant, have signed their first semi-professional contracts with UWA Nedlands Football Club in Australia. Hutchinson has been collaborating with Ryan Hogan from Player Sport Agency to facilitate this opportunity. "They have already traveled down to Australia and started getting to work with the team," Hutchinson noted.
Looking Ahead
Hutchinson and UK F.C. have more exciting announcements planned for September regarding their continued impact on the professional soccer world. Follow @ukfcrichmond on Instagram for the latest updates.
