Ontario Premier League Partnership

WATERLOO UNITED AND KITCHENER SC/TFC JOIN FORCES ON JOINT

ONTARIO PREMIER LEAGUE PROGRAM

The collaborative initiative expands senior player development opportunities across

Waterloo Region

WATERLOO, ON | March 31, 2026 — Waterloo United and Kitchener Soccer Club

(Kitchener SC) are proud to announce the launch of a joint Ontario Premier League (OPL)

program, creating a shared high-performance platform for players across Waterloo Region

pursuing senior semi-professional soccer. This is a collaborative model that brings the clubs together at the senior level while respecting their independence and identity. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and competitive pathway for athletes aspiring to reach the highest levels of provincial competition and beyond, while strengthening the long-term soccer landscape and broader soccer community across the region.

“This partnership represents a significant step in strengthening the player pathway in our

region,” said Dan Smith, Executive Director of Kitchener SC & Kitchener TFC. “By joining

Waterloo United at the OPL level, we’re creating more meaningful opportunities for our

athletes to compete and progress within our region. At the same time, it will allow us to

build a stronger, more sustainable foundation for the future of soccer in our community.”

Beginning this season, the partnership will operate through Waterloo United’s existing

Ontario Premier League structure, with Kitchener SC/TFC players, staff, and resources

integrated into the high-performance environment. Players will continue to train and

compete within their home club environments while gaining expanded access to

senior-level development opportunities.

“This is an exciting moment for soccer in Kitchener-Waterloo,” said Michael Bournon,

President of the Waterloo United Board of Directors. “With the game experiencing

incredible growth across Canada and global attention increasing with major FIFA events on home soil, it’s critical that we create aligned pathways and structures that can support that momentum locally. This partnership positions our clubs and our players to be part of the next era of Canadian soccer, bringing together the resources of two great clubs to support Ontario Premier League teams.”

Key benefits of the partnership include a defined and accessible pathway from youth to

senior soccer, expanded opportunities for players to train and compete in high-performance environments, and a shared commitment to long-term player development and community-building across the region. The home opener is scheduled for April 17 at 7:30 PM, as Waterloo United hosts Guelph United.

The initiative comes as interest in soccer continues to rise nationally, with growing demand for senior-level opportunities and increasing momentum around major international events on home soil.

“We’re seeing incredible growth in the game across Canada, and it’s important that we

create opportunities locally that allow players to be part of that momentum,” said Franck

Hivert, President of the Kitchener SC/TFC Board of Directors. “This partnership ensures

athletes in our region have a clear pathway to compete and develop at the highest levels,

without leaving the community.”

Importantly, there will be no changes to existing club programming. Players will continue to train and compete within their current club environments while benefiting from expanded opportunities at the senior level, U20 and up.

“A key priority in building this partnership was ensuring we could enhance the player

pathway without disrupting the strong club environments our athletes and families rely on,” said Ryan McCord, General Manager of Waterloo United. “It lets us provide

high-performance opportunities through a shared program while keeping development

rooted in the community.”

For more information, please visit Kitchener SC/TFC at kitchenersc.com, Waterloo United at waterloounited.com, or contact your respective club.

ABOUT WATERLOO UNITED

Waterloo United is a leading community-based soccer organization serving the Waterloo

Region. With a proud 50+ year history, the Club offers comprehensive programming for

players of all ages and skill levels. Waterloo United is committed to fostering a positive,

inclusive environment, supported by high-quality coaching, innovative training, and strong domestic and North American pathways. Focused. Driven. United. Learn more at www.waterloounited.com.

ABOUT KITCHENER SC/TFC

Kitchener SC/TFC is a community-focused organization dedicated to developing players of

all ages and abilities. With a strong emphasis on grassroots participation and high-performance excellence, Kitchener SC provides inclusive programming and a clear

pathway for athletes to reach their full potential. Learn more at www.kitchenersc.com.