228873
228935
Sports  

Semi-pro Rivers FC to begin play in new B.C. soccer league next year

Kamloops' new soccer team

Semi-professional soccer is coming to the Tournament Capital.

Rivers FC announced Friday it would be the newest addition to League1 BC.

The Kamloops-based team says it picked its name for the Thompson Rivers.

Kamloops will have both a men’s and women’s team, both teams coached by TRU Wolfpack head coaches.

League1 BC is a new semi-professional soccer league starting play in the spring created by BC Soccer.

It is an adult league but open to all ages, intending to bridge the skill gap between youth and adult players.

Rivers FC said bringing semi-professional play to Kamloops will aid in developing athletes on a professional level.

Mark Pennington, head coach of the women’s team said the addition to the area will be very positive for the local woman’s soccer community.

“I think this announcement is fantastic for women’s soccer in the area,” Pennington said.

“Being apart of League1 BC really shows how serious we are here about the development of men’s and women’s games.”

The soccer team said it is currently working with the city to find a potential stadium for their home games and are still deciding between Hillside Stadium and McArthur Island #2 with modifications.

Kamloops Mayor, Ken Christian said the Tournament Capital is the perfect place for a League1 team and it will help the city recover after COVID19.

“We believe that after we get past this pandemic, this is the way to return Kamloops to its rightful place,” Christian said at Fridays announcement, adding he looked forward to going to a Rivers FC game.

Players of any age or gender are encouraged to try out for the team in the coming year. Rivers FC said it will consider players from all over the province but the majority of the athletes will be from the Thompson-Okanagan area.



More Sports News

Upcoming Sports Events



226105
RECENT STORIES




233370




228921
231864
Castanet Proud Member of RTNDA Canada
232116


225430