Richard Ballard's professional playing career will begin in the same city he grew up in.
Louisville City FC (United Soccer League) announced Monday that Ballard is its first hometown signing. Ballard spent five years in Bloomington, moving from midfielder to striker his redshirt senior season to score four goals and register two assists.
“He actually scored against us in our first preseason game back in 2015, so we’ve been aware of him for a couple of years now,” Louisville City head coach James O’Connor said in a team release. “Our goalkeepers coach, Thabane Sutu, knows Richard well having worked with him when he was younger.
“His versatility is important. We are excited, as think he has a lot of potential for growth. It is also great to have signed a local player who can relate to the community.”
Ballard could conceivably end up anywhere in the midfield or on the attacking end for Louisville City. He earned a contract after trying out with the club in January.
Louisville City is set to train for two weeks later this month at Florida's IMG Academy ahead of its March 25 opener against Saint Louis FC at Louisville Slugger Field.
“I’ve always dreamed we’d have a professional team in Louisville," Ballard said in a team release. "Now that we do, to be able to play for it means the world to me. I think it’s going to be awesome to get out there and represent my hometown.”
