Alexandria Soccer Association is very pleased to see the appointment of Richard Smith as the new NCSL President.  ASA Executive Director Tommy Park states, “ASA is very excited to see Richard take this opportunity.”  He adds, “It is fantastic to see an active and experienced member of the ASA soccer community take over leadership of the DC area’s premier boys travel soccer league.  His experience as a parent, manager and league representative will make an immediate impact on the league as they strive to make structurual changes that encourage a development-first approach.”  Previously, Richard served as the Vice President of NCSL and NCSL representative from ASA.  In addition, Richard is the age-group coordinator for four U12 boys’ teams and is on the Travel Committee.

When not volunteering on a soccer field, Richard is a sports litigator and partner in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery in DC. Over the past 15 years, he has represented the NFL, its Commissioners Paul Tagliabue and Roger Goodell, the NBA, Madison Square Garden, Dan Snyder, and other sports clients across the country. He is routinely called upon to provide advice and leadership on sports operations and policy issues.

Richard is a father of three current ASA soccer players (ages 11, 9, and 6). His oldest child plays in our U12 Boys travel program and his middle child plays in our U10 Girls travel program.  Richard’s youngest son participates in our U7 Recreation and Challenge soccer programs, and dreams of the day when he can play on his own ASA travel team.

Richard is a lifelong soccer player and fan (at least until tearing his ACL a year ago). Primarily a goalie, Richard played in the 1994 National Championships in team handball, and earned an Olympic tryout for the 1996 Olympic Games.  He is looking forward to leading the charge of positive change for NCSL to further encourage development especially at the youngest age groups.