
Fulham FC and Calvary FC lineup ahead of their game in the Kamloops International Cup. (Photo via Fallsway Media)
Bigger and better.
That’s the takeaway from where the Kamloops International Cup goes in the years ahead after Kamloops hosted two English Premier League U-21 teams this summer.
Aston Villa’s Under 21 women’s team and Fulham FC’s Under 21 men’s team played a total of six games at Hillside Stadium while training with local Kamloops Youth Soccer Association players on non-gamedays.
“They gave us some candid feedback on their departure. They were very impressed with the level of competition they played. They were ecstatic with the facilities,” tournament lead organizer and Rivers FC General Manger Lyle Dos Santos said.
Dos Santos added the two European teams were a treat to host, even if they managed just one win in the matches they played.
“We were really fortunate they donated their time to run camps for KYSA players,” he said. “They were really impressed with the talent.”
Dos Santos was hoping for sell-out crowds but understands the time of year and weather was a factor. He also says there was “limited time” to market the event.
Asked where the event goes from here, he says organizers plan on taking a couple weeks off before beginning to plan next year’s event.
“This first year was really a proof of concept to see that we could bring two clubs of this size and scale – mission accomplished,” Dos Santos said. “Now it’s about scaling and building this into something meaningful and lasting that will be part of the community.”
While its not yet been decided, he says the event could evolve into a tournament.
“We called it the Kamloops International Cup with intent. We didn’t plan on doing an exhibition series forever,” Dos Santos said. “We really want to build a tournament to connect the highest club and the highest levels in the world to youth soccer.”