Only a few weeks removed from helping the Richmond Kickers to their first USL League One Playoffs appearance since the historic club won the 2022 USL League One Players' Shield, a batch of young, local talent is at IMG Academy in hopes of adding another trophy to Richmond's already burgeoning trophy case.

The Kickers' U-20 team is at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. for the 2024 USL Academy League Finals. The fourth edition of the tournament features the top 16 teams from the 2024 USL Academy League regular season in a three-day, single-elimination tournament. The Roos' U-20 team, affectionately referred to as 'the Joeys,' already defeated St. Petersburg FC, 2-0, in the Round of 16 and will take on a fellow USL League One affiliate in Utah Red Wolves SC in the Quarterfinals on Friday.

Five youngsters who participated in Richmond's 2024 USL League One campaign either on USL Academy contracts or professional deals - Griffin Garnett, James Sneddon, Landon Johnson, Nicholas Simmonds and Beckett Howell - made the trip down to Florida.

For 18-year-old defender Griffin Garnett and 19-year-old goalkeeper James Sneddon, the opportunity to represent their hometown club at both the professional and pre-professional level is something they could've only dreamed of. After making their professional debut with the Kickers' first team in 2024, both Garnett and Sneddon are eager to lead the Joeys to silverware.

Garnett's first professional goal contribution came in the form of an assist against Chattanooga on Oct. 20 to help the Roos clinch a postseason berth. Among the 40 players eligible for Young Player of the Year, Garnett finished first in blocks and clearances, and of the 40 who played multiple matches, Garnett accrued the greatest passing accuracy rate.

"I came into the season not really knowing what to expect," Garnett admitted. "I just listened to everyone, to my coaches, to my veteran teammates, and just tried to take it all in and do what they suggested. For me, that was where I found the most success, just being like a sponge and absorbing all that information."

A significant adjustment late in the season from Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky and his staff, Richmond made a goalkeeper change in hopes of making a late postseason push. James Sneddon, the 19-year-old USL Academy signee, took over goalkeeping duties from Pablo Jara and Ryan Shellow and made his League One debut on Sept. 14 on the road against Charlotte.

From there, all Sneddon did was match an all-time League One record by recording three consecutive clean sheets in his first three starts, earning a pair of Team of the Week nods in the process.

"It's huge," Sneddon said of representing his hometown club." I think Griffin [Garnett] and I both dreamed of it when we were growing up in Richmond. There's always been a close connection between the pro team and the youth team, so all my coaches growing up played a role within the Kickers. So now being able to put yourself in the shoes of these guys that you looked up to so much when you were younger is really special; I certainly don't take it for granted, and I'm always looking to give back as a role model in the same way that those guys did for me."

"It means a lot," Garnett said, echoing a similar sentiment. "I live two minutes from the stadium and I used to ride my bike to games. For me to be able to represent my hometown team and still be so close to home, is really important. I know James [Sneddon] feels the same way; I'm really proud to be able to represent."

In partnership with Richmond United, the Richmond Kickers' continued investment in identifying and developing local talent is starting to pay dividends, and while the returns may only become truly apparent over time, the foundation is being set in what could be a transformational moment for one of the longest continually operating professional soccer clubs in the United States.

"We have the infrastructure to develop, and it's only going to get better," Sneddon said of the Kickers' youth development model. "The biggest thing I would share with those who aspire to reach the next level is that you can find success here. Although everyone's path is different, there's certainly a viable option in Richmond."

Sneddon, Garnett and the Joeys will face Utah Red Wolves SC in the Quarterfinals on Friday, Dec. 6 at 12 p.m. ET at IMG Academy. Through the USL's partnership with SportsEngine Play, every game from the 16-team knockout tournament will stream live and free through the online service, concluding with Sunday's crowning match.