When The Times first interviewed proud Southampton native Ryan Richter, it was 2017, the year after he led the New York Cosmos to victory in the NASL championship and took home the coveted Soccer Bowl Trophy. At the time of our conversation, he was already looking ahead at a possible career as a coach. He was also waiting for the day that he could introduce his 16-month-old son Theo to his favorite game.
Recently, The Times caught back up with Richter. In some ways, life hasn’t changed much. Richter is still extremely passionate about and highly involved in soccer. In other ways, it’s completely different.
Now a father of three (Theo has two little siblings, ages 2 and 1), Richter is no longer a professional player. Instead, he’s passing on his knowledge to the next generation as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Union, filling the position of longtime assistant Pat Noonan, who accepted a head coaching job with FC Cincinnati.
For Richter, serving as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Union was a step he was ready for given his close ties to the organization. Not only was he drafted by the team in 2011 after graduating from La Salle University, he served for the last four years as head coach of the Union Academy’s U15 and U17 age groups, which encompass young players who are signed directly without having to go to college.
“I’ve done some work with [head coach] Jim [Curtin] over that time. I’ve been involved in little bits and tried to keep a connection. I think they decided that it was the right time, so that’s why they brought me,” said Richter. “And a lot of the guys in the first team now are guys that I worked with when they were in the Academy.”
On Richter’s appointment, Curtin said, “We’re a young club that not only believes in young players, but also young coaches. I got my chance after spending time with our Academy and, through a similar path, Ryan has earned the opportunity to join our first-team staff and help us implement our philosophy. I’ve worked with Ryan a lot during our shared time with the club and I’ve seen firsthand what a great coach he is. I’m confident he’s the right person to step in and contribute to this culture of success that our veterans have helped build and that allows our young players to thrive.”
Reflecting on his local upbringing, Richter explained how his coaching aspirations made perfect sense.
“My dad was my coach, so I had that influence, and then my grandpop was his coach. Soccer was big in our family. I loved the game,” he said. “It’s always been something I enjoyed and during my playing career, I always knew that this was something I wanted to do when I was done playing.”
Though Richter would love for his son Theo to someday follow in his footsteps, the 5-year-old isn’t taking the game too seriously just yet. Theo often accompanies his father to Swag Soccer, a nonprofit that, according to Richter, “tries to bring high-level soccer coaching to underserved communities in the Philadelphia area.” His boy enjoys running around and having fun, but isn’t scoring goals just yet.
Regarding Swag Soccer, which Richter said largely serves minority children, the initiative launched last January and has a goal of reaching 2,000 kids each year at no cost to their families. The program is funded by Philadelphia Union investor Steve Graham and other donors.
“It’s to try to get kids in the city and some other areas around the city into soccer at young ages,” said Richter, adding that it’s more than just an afterschool activity. “We’re trying to hit every part of the city.”
As Richter embarks on his first season as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Union, he has a few goals in mind.
“In the last three seasons, the Union has finished third, first and second in the Eastern Conference. I want to keep that standard and take the next step, which is to win the MLS Cup,” he said. “We have a good roster, a lot of familiarity and some new pieces that should make a difference.”
Whether Richter is working with the first team or the youth of Swag Soccer, he makes sure to instill a particular piece of advice – success ultimately comes down to the player.
“Many blame the coach or the opportunity, but so much of it is in your control,” he said. “I encourage kids to take ownership of that. If that’s what they want to do with their life, to be obsessed with it is a good thing. The path of a professional athlete is very disappointing sometimes, but if you have that love and that obsession of the game, that’s what you focus on.”
Despite Richter’s exciting promotion, he’s not letting it get to his head.
“I’m a normal guy from Southampton and I got lucky. I had a lot of good mentors and good family support and good support from my wife,” he said. “That’s what I want people to know about me.”
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
