Kamloops United to join B.C. Soccer Premier League youth ranks this fall

The under-14 to under-17 league is, “positioned as the highest level of youth development community soccer in B.C.,” according to the BC Soccer Association website.

Dos Santos noted the league may soon add an under-19 division.

“If the U19 league is a go, we will have a team in the U19, as well,” he said.

United has been trying to join the circuit since 2024.

“It really is the highest standard of youth soccer that exists in this province,” Dos Santos said. “The MLS Academy at the Whitecaps would be the only thing higher. From there, there is a BC Soccer high performance program, which the top players within the BCSPL would be selected to.”

“It really is the gateway for kids to achieve their dreams at a provincial, national and, hopefully one day, international level.”

Dos Santos said the club was granted its Canada Soccer National Youth License on Monday (June 15), a pre-requisite for joining the BCSPL.

“A prestigious award,” he said. “It shows your governance, development model and club as a whole is prepared to take on more opportunity and challenges in the biggest leagues in the province from a youth perspective.”

BCSPL inclusion is part of Dos Santos’ plan for an all-Kamloops soccer development pathway that starts in the under-three ranks at United, includes the high-performance BCSPL and feeds United in the semi-pro B.C. Premier League and the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack of U Sports.

“It’s the completion of the pathway,” Dos Santos said. “There are only five clubs in B.C. that have the BCSPL and the B.C. Premier League – only five. We’re one of them here in Kamloops.”

by Marty Hastings

Kamloops United to join B.C. Soccer Premier League youth ranks this fall

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