Grove United is a professional and college development program dedicated to nurturing aspiring young talent and elevating the beautiful game. As the pinnacle of the Grove Soccer pathway, Grove United unites top players from its sister branches, local affiliates, and international professional club partners to form Richmond’s premier elite academy program.
- Programs
- 14
Part of a multi-location club
Grove Soccer
Sister locations · 5 total
Where on the ladder
Level 3 to Level 6
Each level below lists the leagues this club plays in. Your kid's level depends on the team they make. The six levels are our own reading of public league play. They are not an official ranking.
Sanctioned by Virginia Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer). The club also played in USYS NL. That league ended in July 2026 and merged into National 1, so it does not count above. The club’s site also lists US Club Soccer. We have not confirmed that from the body’s own member list, so we do not call the club sanctioned. It also lists UPSL Academy, UPSL, APSL, NPSL, EPSL, Youth Premier Soccer League (YPSL), High Performance League. We have not placed those leagues on the ladder, so they do not count above.
See how the whole ladder worksPrograms
The programs, age by age
These come from the club's site, grouped the way the club groups them. Your kid starts in the one that fits their age.
U2-U3 Little Lions
U2 & U3
Our Little Lions Program is designed for the youngest players to take their first steps into the game in a fun, safe, and energetic environment. Players develop basic ball comfort and coordination, listening and teamwork skills, confidence, and a love for the game.
U6 Cubs
U5 & U6
The U6 Cubs program is described as the foundation for young players beginning their long-term development journey, focusing on fundamentals, skill-building, and gradual integration into the club.
YSPL feeds into U9-U10 Pre-Academy
U7-U8 Pre-Academy
U7 & U8
This program serves as the foundation for young players beginning their long-term development journey. The primary goal is skill-building and gradual integration into the club.
YSPL feeds into U9-U10 Pre-Academy
U9-U10 Pre-Academy Program
U9 & U10
The program emphasizes higher-level competition and development, introducing advanced exercises and technical instruction while players learn to navigate game scenarios independently.
YPSL feeds into U11-U12 Pre-Academy Program
U11-U12 Pre-Academy Program
U11 & U12
The program offers an accelerated developmental environment focused on advanced game concepts and ball mastery. It prepares players for the Academy and provides a clear pathway to professional and collegiate opportunities.
YSPL feeds into Academy
U13-U17 Academy Teams
U13-U17
Grove Academy West evaluates players for U13-U17 Academy Teams in a fully comprehensive, year-round development program for aspiring players wanting to play at the next level.
UPSL Academy
Grove United Academy
U13-U20
Grove United hosts ID Sessions for aspiring players to earn a roster spot in its pro and college development program. The program offers a fully comprehensive, year-round development environment for players wanting to play at the next level.
UPSL · USL Academy · APSL · UPSL Academy feeds into Grove United Pro
Foundations
U4-U9
Fun-filled small-group training focused on young players’ individual development, with weekly technical training, competitions, and small-sided games to develop Future Stars.
Future Academy
U9-U12
Group development training prepares players for the next level of club and academy teams through weekly advanced technical training and age-appropriate tactical development.
High Performance Middle School
U11-U14
Group development training focuses on each player’s individual development with highly specialized training tailored to each player’s needs. It supplements club and school team training and matches.
High Performance High School
U14-U19
Advanced development training focuses on each player’s individual development with highly specialized training tailored to each player’s needs. It supplements club and school team training and matches.
Individual Training
One-on-one training improves specific aspects of a player’s game, with sessions focused on exactly what the player needs to fine-tune their skills.
Small-Group Training
Group training is available for small groups who want specific training in addition to or outside of the High-Performance Program.
Grove United Pro
Grove United Pro is an NPSL team composed of standout academy players, top college athletes, and emerging semi-professional talent.
NPSL
Coaching
Who coaches here
15 names from the club's own staff page. The titles and licenses are what the club lists.
Jeff Gettler
DIRECTOR OF COACHING
39 years of collegiate coaching experience and 308 NCAA men’s soccer victories; 33 years as a collegiate head coach
master's degree in Human Movement from Boston University; bachelor of arts from Lycoming
U.S. Soccer A license · FA International Coaching certificate · KNVB certificate · DFB International Trainer-Kongress · CBD diploma
Justin Grove
PRESIDENT | TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
former professional player for the Richmond Kickers; over 15 years of experience coaching in the United States, South Africa, and France
Master's degree in Business from the University of Paris 10; Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Richmond
French Football Federation · United States Soccer Federation · Scottish Football Association · Irish Football Association · UEFA B license (2026 UEFA A candidate)
Luca Thabet
GROVE UNITED ACADEMY DIRECTOR
all ages and genders
over eight years of head coaching experience across all ages and genders; Director of Coaching at MLS NEXT club Sporting Springfield
U.S. Soccer B License · United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma · Director of Coaching Diploma · Advanced Youth Coaching Diploma · Professional Diploma from FC Barcelona
Sam Beckman
GROVE UNITED ACADEMY COACH | PRE-ACADEMY DIRECTOR
Pre-Academy
currently playing for the Grove United first team
Bachelor of Business Administration from Bridgewater College; Master of Science in International Sport Management from Northumbria University
Welch C license · 2026 UEFA B candidate through the Scottish FA
Adrian Clewlow
ACGK DIRECTOR | DIRECTOR OF GOALKEEPING | PRO GROUP ASSISTANT
Goalkeeping; Pro Group
played in the youth and academy teams for Gillingham F.C. and Chelsea F.C.; former Goalkeeping Coach for the Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer Club
University of Richmond
FA Youth Coaching Certification · NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma · NSCAA Advanced National Diploma · NSCAA Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma · USSF licensed coach
John Roach
GROVE UNITED ACADEMY COACH
former professional player, coach, and manager
Landon Nelson
CLUB MANAGER / ACADEMY COACH
Grove Academy West
member of the Grove NPSL First Team for the past two years and a coach within the organization for the last three
Scottish FA
Treyvon Medley-Green
ACADEMY COACH
U8 to U19
over 10 years of coaching experience; head coach at both club programs and high school teams; Grove NPSL/UPSL player
UEFA coaching license pathway · Welsh FA Licenses
Where they play
14 fields
The fields the club lists as its own. Directions open in Google Maps, so you can check the drive before you sign up.
University of Richmond Stadium
23 College Rd. University of Richmond, 23173 · Turf
Monacan Stadium
11501 Smoketree Dr. Midlothian, Va. 23236 · Turf
Deep Run Stadium
9900 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico, VA 23233 · Turf
River City Sportsplex
13030 Genito Road · Turf · lights
Glover Park
11217 Greenwood Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059 · Turf · lights
Golds Gym
Gold Gym Pool
Marriott Residence Inn
Horizon's Edge Sports ComplexPrimary
325 Cornerstone Ln, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
8v8 soccer field
325 Cornerstone Ln, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
10 fields aren’t located on the map yet.
Fees
What it costs
What the club charges, from its own price list.
Get in touch
How to reach Grove United
Same level, nearby
Other clubs at this level
Clubs at the same level, nearest first.
Colonial Heights Soccer AssociationCompetitive Regionalcompare ↗32Colonial HeightsIs Grove United the right move for your kid?
Tell us about your kid and we’ll rank this club against every other option inside your drive time, on level, cost, and where its players end up.