The River City officially has its newest sports teams.
"Rivers FC" was officially welcomed to Kamloops on Friday morning. TRU men's coaches John Antulov and Mark Pennington are to command the squads.
Set to join the newly formed "League 1 BC," Rivers FC will make their season debut in May of 2022.
Welcome to League1 BC: @goRiversFC https://t.co/Jm29d8Ozzx pic.twitter.com/p1MePy53ML
— League1 British Columbia (@League1BC) November 5, 2021
“The board of directors and staff of Rivers FC, and the entire soccer community in Kamloops, is thrilled to have been chosen to participate in the inaugural season of League 1 BC,” says club President Nick Rinaldi. “The introduction of a semi-professional level of play in BC is another giant step in the player, coach and referee development ladder that bodes well for the future of the game in our province.
"The opportunities that this new league will provide are limitless.”
The club's identity is inspired by the Interior's unique topography carved over centuries by the mighty North and South Thompson Rivers. That will be represented by a yellow and blue colour scheme.
"I am delighted to be involved with Rivers FC, said Technical Director John Antulov. "It is vital to have a semi-pro circuit in BC, especially with a franchise in the interior."
"This is a crucial piece in the development pathway for players, coaches, referees and staff who want to go further in the game and play professionally, as well as with our Canadian national teams. In the interior specifically, it will be that missing piece that will keep players in the game competing at a high level.”
Though the team will be based in Kamloops, residents from Ashcroft, Barriere, Chase, Cache Creek, Merritt, Monte Creek, Pritchard, Sorrento and more are encouraged to support the club.
For more on the announcement, click here.
