KAMLOOPS — The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack and Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) have reached a formal agreement that gives young players more coaching and expands the WolfPack's audience and future talent pool.
The agreement calls for coaches from the WolfPack men's and women's soccer teams to work with the association as mentors, as well as coaches and players acting as guest coaches. KYSA members get more opportunities to attend WolfPack games, and even host a KYSA Club Night. In turn, the WolfPack promotes its program and games.
KYSA Executive Director Missy Cederholm said the agreement benefits both parties and ultimately, benefits all of the players.
"It is more important than ever to support each other, and we are excited to formalize our partnership with the TRU WolfPack soccer team," she said.
"Many of our young players look up to these athletes and some of them go on to become these athletes. We look forward to our growing partnership which will help to further engage our members and provide more opportunities to build connections within our soccer community."
TRU Men's Soccer Head Coach John Antulov said this partnership will only enhance the two organizations' close ties and ensure the long-term growth of both programs now and in the future.
"We feel it is imperative to have a close relationship with the local soccer association and the grassroots level of soccer in Kamloops. Both teams currently have a strong representation of Kamloops-based players in our program who have come through KYSA, and we hope to continue that trend for the future," Antulov said.
TRU Women's Soccer Head Coach Mark Pennington was excited about the agreement and working with KYSA as a partner.
"We really value their support and the great work they do at the grassroots level of soccer development in our community. We are looking forward to growing our relationship and continuing to inspire young players to want to play at the university level. Hopefully one day some of these talented players will become WolfPack players of the future."
