Rivers FC Establishes Working Relationship With TOFC

KAMLOOPS, BC –– Rivers Football Club today announced the establishment of a formal working relationship with the Thompson-Okanagan Football Club (TOFC), the organization that is the interior representative in the BC Soccer Premier League (for youth players). 

The BC Soccer Premier League was established by the provincial governing body in 2011. The overall objective of the league is to support the development and identification of players within a standards-based environment for U13 through U18 male and female age groups. TOFC is the only BC Interior representative amongst the twelve clubs currently participating in the BCSPL. 

TOFC Executive Director, Kai Tolpinrud, is thrilled to have an accessible pipeline with Rivers FC. “Thompson Okanagan FC is very proud to partner with Rivers FC of the new semi-professional League1 BC. This partnership provides a natural progression of high performance soccer development from youth to adult that allows our BCSPL players an avenue to continue developing at the highest levels of the sport. We are so pleased to be able to work with the top notch coaching and management group at Rivers FC to provide further opportunities for the growth of players and coaches that aspire to develop to their highest potential.” 

Part of the arrangement with TOFC will mean that its players will be closely monitored and those deemed capable will be recommended to the coaching staff of Rivers FC. 

Rivers FC Technical Director and men’s team head coach John Antulov says, “We are very pleased to form this partnership with Thompson Okanagan FC. This relationship will add another level to the high performance pyramid desperately needed in the BC Interior. It’ll be a catalyst for us to be able to continue to develop players and coaches at all levels.” Adds Antulov, “Working together on development will help keep talented and keen players––both male and female––stay in the game, and continue to aspire to play at the highest levels. As Rivers FC’s TD and coach of the men’s program, I couldn’t be happier!” 

Rivers FC female team head coach Mark Pennington shares Antulov’s enthusiasm for establishing a link with TOFC. “I think it’s great to build a relationship with TOFC. To create a pathway for youth players to be involved with Rivers FC will be great for their development and the growth of both programs!” 

Rivers FC is one of seven clubs with franchises in the new League1 BC semi-professional circuit which is set to kick-off in May of 2022. The clubs are Varsity FC (Point Grey), TSS Rovers (club based in Richmond, but playing out of Swangard Stadium in Burnaby), Altitude FC (North Vancouver), Victoria Highlanders, Unity FC (Langley), the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Rivers FC (Kamloops).  

BC Soccer previously announced that Rivers FC, based in Kamloops, will be the lone interior entry in League1 BC for the inaugural season, which is set to run May to July. 

The league will feature a men’s and a women’s division. Each club is required to field teams in both genders.