Nanaimo United FC is poised to join the BC Soccer Premier League after receiving Canada Soccer's top designation for youth programs. (Nanaimo United FC Facebook)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

TOP SHELF

Nanaimo United receives highest youth designation from Canada Soccer

Sep 18, 2021 | 11:11 AM

NANAIMO — The Harbour City’s local soccer club is now kicking it with the big boys.

Canada Soccer recently bestowed upon Nanaimo United FC a National Youth Club License, recognizing the organization for their commitment to the game and growing it across the region.

Daragh Fitzgerald, United’s technical lead, told NanaimoNewsNOW the designation also means they’ll become the 13th franchise of the BC Soccer Premier League, the highest youth league in the province.

“It now gives our members the opportunity to access the top level of youth soccer, right on their doorstep. Previously they would have to travel to Victoria, down to the (Van Isle) Wave program and for upper Island kids that was a tough commute.”

A move to the BCSPL will come in fall 2022 with two teams at the under 13 level, with growth expected organically as the years roll on.

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The club will also focus on developing its coaches and helping them reach higher levels of certification.

“We have some fantastic players in the upper Island and around Nanaimo but the travel to Victoria three or four times a week for many families after one year they had to pull out of the program. Wherever they’re coming from it gives them the chance to train a little closer to home and compete against the very best players in the province.”

Fitzgerald said applying for and eventually receiving the nod from Canada Soccer was about testing the club to see if their vision and work matched what was expected from the country’s top clubs.

Nanaimo United becomes one of just 59 clubs in Canada to be recognized in this way.

The change will also further spur United to work with other clubs on the Island in growing the game and supporting their efforts.

“We’ve been really open with other clubs in the area and we’ve said if we ever did get this BCSPL franchise, they’d be a huge part of it. We want to make this open to kids all over the province so we’ll partner with them and support them, have them support us and make sure we put our best foot forward.”

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