English Premier League Soccer Extravaganza to Ignite Kamloops This Summer
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable soccer spectacle this summer as two prestigious English Premier League clubs grace the Tournament Capital Centre in Kamloops, British Columbia. From July 25 to August 3, Fulham U21 Men will captivate soccer enthusiasts, followed by Aston Villa U21 Women showcasing their skills from August 5 to 18. This extraordinary event signifies a pivotal moment for Kamloops, solidifying its status as a burgeoning sports hub and fueling the development of Canadian soccer talent.
To ensure accessibility for all, ticket prices range from $15 to $30, allowing everyone to witness this premier event. Beyond the exhilarating matches, the series will ignite the community with engaging youth soccer clinics and informative coaching seminars, nurturing a passion for the sport and cultivating local talent.
“We are honored to bring Fulham FC and Aston Villa to Kamloops,” said Lyle Dos Santos, General Manager of Rivers FC Football Club. “This would not have been possible without the collaboration of our partners, Rebirth Soccer, KYSA, City of Kamloops, Tourism Kamloops, and Thompson Rivers University. Hosting these globally renowned football clubs marks a pivotal step in connecting Kamloops and Rivers FC to the international stage.”
Dino Bernardo, President of the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association, echoed the excitement: “KYSA is thrilled to collaborate with our partners to bring English Premier League clubs to Kamloops. Our community boasts world-class facilities that make it possible to host such prestigious events. We are committed to providing opportunities for young soccer players and promoting the sport in Kamloops.”
Representatives from Fulham Football Club and Aston Villa expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming showcase. Sean Cullen, Academy Director for Fulham Football Club, stated, “We are delighted to visit Kamloops this summer. We witnessed firsthand the city’s exceptional reputation for hosting top-level sports.” Josephine Cottam, Girls Academy Operations Manager for Aston Villa, added, “We eagerly anticipate bringing our talented Aston Villa Women’s Academy U21s to Kamloops. We believe our young squad will captivate audiences with their exciting style of play.”
James King, Cofounder of Rebirth Soccer, emphasized the importance of the partnership: “Rebirth Soccer is proud to connect the region with elite global academy clubs. We are dedicated to fostering soccer in British Columbia and envision Kamloops as a recurring host for such prestigious events.”
Erik Fisher, CEO of Tourism Kamloops, highlighted the impact on the local economy: “Bringing Fulham and Aston Villa to Kamloops is a remarkable opportunity to showcase our city’s vibrant sports culture. We anticipate a significant boost to our visitor economy, further solidifying Kamloops’ reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism.”
Katie Neustaeter, Deputy Mayor of the City of Kamloops, emphasized the transformative power of the event: “Soccer is an integral part of our sports community. As Canada’s Tournament Capital, we are thrilled to support Rivers FC in hosting the English Premier League. These events not only foster community spirit and showcase athleticism, but also inspire our youth to strive for greatness through the power of sports.”
Witness the brilliance of the English Premier League in the heart of Kamloops this summer. The excitement and passion of this soccer showcase promise an unforgettable experience for all.
