Kamloops United women break into win column ahead of home opener

It was a good feeling this past weekend on Vancouver Island, on which United posted their first victory of the campaign, a 1-0 triumph over Nanaimo United.

Kate Rattee bulged the old onion bag in the 46th minute.

Fewer veteran, out-of-town recruits are likely to toil for United teams, a shift in strategy that aligns with the arrival of the club’s head of coaching, Darren Sarll.

The club hopes providing more roster spots and playing time to its younger players – while still keeping a backbone of veterans, most of them local – will encourage development.

Fiona Poole, who is from Kamloops but plays internationally for Ireland, is formerly of Kelowna-based Okanagan United. She chose to return home this spring to play for United.

“It was us who initiated interest,” said Poole, whose father was born in Dublin. “[Head Coach Haley Bartram] and Darren seemed pretty excited about the whole league and the team, and it just made me want to join even more.

“We discussed playing in games, too. I just decided to move over because it’s such a good opportunity to get to play in League One [BCPL] and train with these girls three times a week in my hometown. Playing against older girls, women, it’s going to be a challenge. I like the physicality and speed. It’s different from youth soccer. So, it’ll be a good challenge for my development.”

Kamloops (1-2) opened the season with a pair of losses – 3-1 to Langley United and 2-0 to Vancouver Rise FC.

The Rise (2-0), who placed second in league standings last year, are among the BCPL teams loaded with NCAA Division One and national team talent.

“We had nine youth players on the pitch at the end of the game [against the Rise], which is really impressive,” Bartram said. “So, 2-0 against the Rise is a great result. I think we can get a lot of wins this year. That’s what I’m hoping for.”

The inclusion of more younger players from Kamloops on the BCPL teams – the aim being for them to graduate to higher levels, such as the post-secondary, professional and national team ranks – is also designed to inspire children to play and stay with the club.

“Growing up in Kamloops, I looked up to the Wolfpack players,” Hill said. “Now, being able to look up to players in the spring, as well, and look forward to playing on the first team is something that’s super exciting for the young people in Kamloops.”

Both the men’s and women’s Kamloops United teams are scheduled to play their home openers against Altitude FC of North Vancouver on Friday (April 24) at Hillside Stadium.

The women’s match is slated for 5:00 p.m., with the men to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Altitude’s women are 1-0-1, while its men are 1-1-0. Kamloops is 0-3 in men’s play this season.

by Marty Hastings

Kamloops United women break into win column ahead of home opener

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