Latest News

From rebrands to recruitments, Kamloops United have made some key changes for the 2025 season, including building the club’s first all-female coaching team for their Women’s Division squad.

Following their rebrand from Rivers FC, Kamloops United have big aspirations on and off the field in 2025 with aims to lift the League1 BC trophy in August.

It was a difficult 2024 for both the men’s and women’s Kamloops teams, but they have been putting plans in place to make sure results are much-improved year, with new additions and improvements at the club.

For starters, Kamloops United announced their first female head coach and all-female coaching staff for their Women’s Division team – which will now be led by Haley Bartram who is stepping up from the assistant coach role last year.

John Antulov is also returning to lead the club in the Men’s Division.

“KUFC strives to be a best-in-class football club focused on providing opportunities to aspiring, young footballers to achieve their dreams and become productive members within our community,” said Lyle Dos Santos, the club’s General Manager.

“For 2025, our goal is to be the League1 BC regular-season champions in both divisions and compete in the TELUS Canadian Championship.

“This year has been a big one for our club, bringing together Rivers FC and Kamloops Youth Soccer Association to form the newly rebranded Kamloops United Football Club. We proudly represent our city and region as the lone L1BC club in the BC Interior.”

There were two different results for the Kamloops teams in their opening weekend, with a 3-2 win in the Men’s Division and a 3-2 loss in the Women’s Division. Both teams have plenty of talent that Dos Santos believes fans should look out for.

One notable player from the men’s side is Thompson Rivers University striker Ben Finley. The English attacker developed his game at professional clubs like Blackpool and Preston, and his experience playing for these youth academies should help Kamloops in front of goal.

Javier Sagaste, who played 672 minutes for Calgary Blizzard in League1 Alberta last year, also joins the team, alongside Kamloops stalwart Elijah Dos Santos – the duo both featured in the Men’s Division Team of the Week in Matchweek Two. Wyatt Lyon could also be one to watch this year.

On the women’s side, Raiya Rumo has rejoined in defence. Rumo earned plenty of accolades in 2024, including the Rivers FC Top Defensive Player Award and Thompson Rivers University’s Team MVP.

Also joining the defensive line is Kambria Mellum, who was the Rookie of the Year in the 2022-23 season at the University of Northern British Columbia. Further up the field, opposing teams will need to watch out for Scarlet Thomas and Cara Freeman.

Moving from the pitch to the backroom, Dos Santos believes certain team members deserve just as much recognition heading into the new season.

“Michelle McLeod is a KUFC Board Member and Team Manager for our women’s team. Without Michelle’s tireless volunteer work in the community, building the women’s program over the last four years, we could never be where we are today.

“She is a key piece of our club who we are all so appreciative of.

“KUFC is a not-for-profit football club based in Kamloops, focused on providing opportunities to players in rural markets challenged to access League 1 BC.

“We are a volunteer-led program, and we are always looking for corporate and community support to build the program and provide quality opportunities for young footballers pursuing their dreams.”

Review the Kamloops United website for more info, or to volunteer or donate.