Image Credit: Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest FC

By Victor Kaisar

Kamloops International Cup

Kamloops International Cup to feature Arsenal women’s, Nottingham Forest men’s teams

May 27, 2025 | 10:30 AM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops International Cup will be making its return this summer, as Kamloops United (KUFC) prepares to host two more English teams in the Tournament Capital.

KUFC will be hosting Arsenal’s U21 women’s team and Nottingham Forest’s U21 men’s teams between July 25 and Aug. 3. Both teams will compete in three exhibition matches against Canadian semi-pro and professional teams, though match dates and opponents have not yet been made public.

“Arsenal and Nottingham Forest represent excellence. Hosting these English Premier League clubs is a celebration of everything we believe in — being best in class, development first, and above all, courage,” Dino Bernardo, the President of the KUFC Board said in a statement.

The Arsenal women’s team comes to Kamloops fresh off a title-winning season in the FA WSL Academy Southern Division, while the Nottingham Forest’s U21 men finished 15th in the 26-team English Premier League 2, formerly the U21 Premier League.

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“This tournament showcases that Kamloops is a national and international soccer destination,” added KUFC General Manager Lyle Dos Santos. “This is about more than matches. It’s about connecting our city to the global stage and inspiring the next generation.”

Just like last summer’s International Cup that featured the Aston Villa U21 women’s team and Fulham’s U21 men’s team, this year’s event will also feature youth camps and grassroots clinics for local players.

“After helping bring Aston Villa and Fulham to BC, we’re honoured to welcome Arsenal and Nottingham Forest this time around,” Craig Tanner, the co-founder of Rebirth Soccer, added.

“This five-year partnership will help make the Kamloops International Cup one of the top youth and elite football events in North America.”

Organizers say single-game tickets and all-access passes — as well as more details about the 2025 tournament — will be available online soon.