Kamloops United Football has taken a major step forward in player development.

The organization has been granted a Canadian National Youth Soccer Licence, allowing it to operate a top-level academy program out of Kamloops beginning this fall. The designation completes the player pathway within the club and provides local athletes with an opportunity to compete at a higher level without leaving the region.

“This is massive,” stated an excited KUFC General Manager Lyle Dos Santos.

“This was a huge piece of the puzzle for us. We’re now one of five programs in BC that have from the entry level U3 all the way to semi-pro.”

As part of the move, Kamloops United teams will compete in the BC Premier Soccer League’s youth divisions. The club plans to enter an under-14 team and is also exploring the possibility of fielding an under-19 squad.

“For too many years kids from Kamloops players and families had to go seek opportunity outside of our community which they no longer have to do starting this fall,” continued Dos Santos.

Dos Santos says the licence is the result of years of work by the organization and believes Kamloops is ready for the opportunity.