The newly-branded Kamloops United FC open up a new season of BC League One soccer Saturday afternoon at Hillside Stadium.  Both teams host Langley.

“(Expectations) are a little bit higher than in the past.  I think on paper, it’s the best team we’ve ever had,” said a cautious Men’s Head Coach John Antulov.

“We have more attacking players. We’ve always been around playoff contention. I hate to make predictions but with a few better results, it should be good,” continued Antulov.

He admits it’s a bit of a floating roster to start the season, with players coming in or still in school.

He will have captain Elijah Dos Santos in the mix for Saturday’s game at Hillside Stadium.

“He’s good to go, yes,” says Antulov.

Rivers FC narrowly missed the playoffs last season after going 4-7-1 through 12 games.

On the women’s side, second year Head Coach Haley Bartram heads into the season confident, despite winning just once in 12 games last year.

“We want to win. This year is the biggest roster we’ve ever had.  We have girls from the Interior, the Okanagan and Northern BC. Plus some interest from Atlantic Canada. We probably have about 26-30 players and that’s not even counting the youth (reserves),” stated Bartram.

The women have been prepping as they get their entire team together for opening weekend.

Both teams will be wearing the new look Kamloops United crest and the colours of green, gold, black and white.

“It’s a new brand, new colours and new badge.  I want everyone to be proud, play for themselves but also for each other,” stated Bartram.

She’s the daughter of the late legendary Kamloops soccer coach Mike Bartram.

He was inducted into the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.

“I’m trying my best (to follow in the footsteps), I’m loving every minute of it. Now I see why my dad did this. It’s really rewarding and great to work with the young athletes,” said Bartram.

Admission to all home games this season is free of charge thanks to KUFC gameday sponsors stepping up.