With the season coming to an end and playoffs out of sight, we got a chance to sit down with Head Coach Darren Sawatzky about team focus on youth, roster building, and how he views this season.
EB- Of course, the season hasn’t lived up to the heights of last season but what has been the most significant positive for you thus far this season?
DS- "We have been working on the development of the academy player and building a true development pathway in Richmond. We are one step further along this year with Landon Johnson signing a pro deal and many others working towards this goal with academy contracts. Mika Elovaara is now controlling the technical side of the development process and though this takes time to truly implement a modern system, we are already starting to see the work pay dividends."
EB- And what lessons have you learned and how are you looking to apply them for the remainder of the season?
DS- "We will use our remaining games to put a product on the field for our fans and the people in Richmond who support this team. We are all frustrated with the results and our position in the table. We will approach this offseason with determination to push the ties into wins, and position ourselves in the discussion for 2024."
EB- Nathan Aune has been in the squad now for four years, growing and getting better each season. How have you seen Nathan improve this season?
DS- "Nathan had a very good first half of this season and he positioned himself as a mainstay in the back for us. We will look to him to continue to build and improve along with our backline."
EB- This year we have seen you experiment with the formation as well as different combinations on the forward line. What were the challenges of those experimentations? How would you measure the progress the group has made from the start of the season to now?
DS- "We did not score goals the way we have in the past over this season. Changing formations, while working to keep an identity is difficult. We have had many players play attacking roles this year, but our consistency just wasn't what it needed to be. We were not dangerous enough in the attacking half this season and that will need to change for us to be successful."
EB- The midfield has also seen some different combinations with the addition of Justin Sukow and João Gomiero. Individually, how have you seen the growth in both of these players? Where are the areas they need to grow in as well?
DS- "We feel that we added midfield depth this year and have competition with existing players. Both Justin and João had good games for us. We will look to both of these players to create through the end of the year."
EB- There has been an influx of academy players signed this year who can develop alongside more established veteran players. What led to the increased youth movement this year? Realistically, what can fans expect from these players on the field during the remainder of the season, and can we see them play significant minutes going forward?
DS- "We want local kids to stay local and develop here, in their homes, with their families. We also want to work to start professional careers earlier for those who are ready, then help these players move to higher levels. This is a long-term project that will further enhance the connections for the Richmond Kickers to the local community while helping the local players chase their dreams through the local professional club. We have played these young guns, and we will continue to play them as they earn the opportunities. There are speed bumps on this path at times, but we know the long road will be paved with success stories."
