Although Richards was born in Birmingham, West Midlands, he grew up in Chapeltown, Leeds.
Richards began playing football when he was young and he played for the Leeds United youth system as a striker, but he was released when he was around eight years old.
He also represented Leeds Schools FA (Leeds City Boys) at a young age.
Richards later moved to playing in either the centre–half or right–back positions.

He later played for the Oldham Athletic youth system, moving to Manchester City as a 14-year-old, with Oldham reputedly having a 20% sell on clause.
In July 2001 Manchester City reportedly tried to buy out the clause, but Oldham refused.
He also attended the Brazilian Soccer Schools scheme and retains strong links with the programme, with his father Lincoln actually running a Brazilian Soccer School in Chapeltown, Leeds.

Richards progressed through the ranks of Manchester City's Youth Team and Reserve Team.
Despite initially struggling to get a YTS contract, he later signed his first professional contract with the club in 2005.
Although Richards was born in Birmingham, West Midlands, he grew up in Chapeltown, Leeds. Richards began playing football when he was young and he played for the Leeds United youth system as a striker, but he was released when he was around eight years old. He also represented Leeds Schools FA (Leeds City Boys) at a young age. Richards later moved to playing in either the centre–half or right–back positions.
He later played for the Oldham Athletic youth system, moving to Manchester City as a 14-year-old, with Oldham reputedly having a 20% sell on clause. In July 2001 Manchester City reportedly tried to buy out the clause, but Oldham refused. He also attended the Brazilian Soccer Schools scheme and retains strong links with the programme, with his father Lincoln actually running a Brazilian Soccer School in Chapeltown, Leeds.
Richards progressed through the ranks of Manchester City's Youth Team and Reserve Team. Despite initially struggling to get a YTS contract, he later signed his first professional contract with the club in 2005.
Micah Richards