2025 Kamloops International Cup - Press Release
- Masen Fernandes
- May 27
- 2 min read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kamloops United FC to Host Arsenal and Nottingham Forest U21 Squads for 2025 Kamloops International Cup
Kamloops, British Columbia [May 27th, 2025] – Kamloops United FC (KUFC) proudly announces the return of elite international soccer to Canada with the 2025 Kamloops International Cup (KIC), running July 25 to August 4. This year's showcase features English giants Arsenal FC U21 Women and Nottingham Forest FC U21 Men, each competing in three high-level exhibition matches against Canada’s top semi-pro and professional teams.
Following the sold-out success of the 2024 tournament which welcomed Fulham FC and Aston Villa, KIC 2025 reaffirms Kamloops as a rising hub for international and domestic football development in Canada.
Rising Stars on a Global Stage
Arsenal’s U21 Women arrive fresh off a title-winning season in the FA WSL Academy Southern Division, widely regarded as one of Europe’s most competitive environments. Their mix of international flair and Premier League pedigree promises world-class women’s football in Kamloops.
Nottingham Forest’s U21 Men have made waves in England’s Premier League 2 with a fearless, attacking style and a talent pipeline that feeds the first team. Their presence marks a milestone for high-calibre men’s play at KIC.
Unifying a Soccer City
“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,” said Dino Bernardo, President of the KUFC Board. “Our club motto is Semper Fortis - Always with Courage. The Kamloops International Cup is the epitome of taking on a big project with heart for our players, families, and our city.”
“This tournament showcases that Kamloops is a national and international soccer destination,” added Lyle Dos Santos, General Manager of KUFC. “We’re proud to partner with Rebirth Soccer, the City of Kamloops, and Tourism Kamloops to deliver another exceptional event. This is about more than matches, it’s about connecting our city to the global stage and inspiring the next generation.”
Craig Tanner, Co-Founder of Rebirth Soccer, emphasized the broader impact: “We’re proud to support KIC for a second year. After helping bring Aston Villa and Fulham to BC, we’re honoured to welcome Arsenal and Nottingham Forest this time around. This five-year partnership will help make KIC one of the top youth and elite football events in North America.”
More Than a Match
The 2025 Kamloops International Cup includes:
· Six elite showcase matches
· Youth camps and grassroots clinics
· Coaching masterclasses with EPL staff
· Community engagement activations
Tickets & Information
Tickets will be available soon at www.kamloopsinternationalcup.com, including single-game and all-access passes.
About Kamloops United FC
Kamloops United Football Club is the largest soccer club in the BC Interior and the only Club with a comprehensive player development model from the earliest ages to the semi pro level in League 1 BC. Our motto, Semper Fortis—Always with Courage, drives everything we do, from grassroots to global. KUFC is shaping the future of Canadian soccer while proudly representing Kamloops on the international stage.
Media Contact
Lyle Dos Santos, General Manager, Kamloops United FC
James Rutherford, Executive Director, Kamloops United FC
David Ousted, Sporting Director, Kamloops United FC
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