WYSA appoints new Technical Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE West Kelowna, BC — July 16, 2026 WYSA announces leadership transition amid the club’s next phase of growth Westside Youth Soccer Association (WYSA) announces today the pending departure of Technical Director Jason Thompson, with his last day with WYSA set for July 31, 2026. The club extends its sincere gratitude to Jason for his dedication and work over the last 16 months. "We want to thank Jason for his commitment to WYSA over the last many months," said Matt Holbrook, Executive Director. "Jason has helped implement a positive foundation for our players, and we wish him the best in his future professional endeavors." Looking Ahead: Seamless Transition with The Surf Program and MLS GO Program Launch WYSA wants to assure all players, parents, and coaches that the club will not skip a beat during this transitional period. The club’s leadership are fully prepared for the highly anticipated fall season, and the club anticipates appointing a new Technical Director that will assume the role on September 1. This transition coincides with an incredibly exciting time for our organization. Beginning this September, the club enters a new phase of growth with the official launch of our Surf program. This partnership will bring elite-level training, expanded resources, and unprecedented development opportunities to our athletes, ensuring our players continue to thrive in a top-tier soccer environment. The club has been the architect of a new exhibition fall series as an outlet for our Surf Selects and Surf Development teams, and we already have 5 other clubs joining in to make this a truly special opportunity to give our Surf teams a full schedule of games this fall. Another exciting new program that will launch on November 1 is the MLS GO grassroots indoor league program. More info coming on Aug 15 along with registration. Immediate Search for a New Technical Director To move the club into this next chapter of competitive and community excellence, the club will initiate an immediate, comprehensive search for a new Technical Director. The ideal candidate will bring a forward-thinking approach to player development in our grassroots programs and the strategic vision necessary to maximize our new Surf program alignment. During the search period, interim technical leadership coverage is fully established to ensure a seamless, high-quality experience for all teams. About Westside Youth Soccer Association WYSA is dedicated to promoting, developing, and administering the game of soccer for youth in West Kelowna. WYSA is committed to providing safe, fun, and highly competitive environments that foster sportsmanship, skill development, and a lifelong love for the game. Media Contact: Matt Holbrook, Executive Director Email: ed@wysa.ca Website: www.wysa.ca

SAM WITTON - Sam is our resident English coach with a semi-professional playing background and experience working in the Nottingham Forest Academy. His proudest achievement is helping eight players progress to professional academies, with one recently signing a professional contract. Currently holding a C Licence and working toward his Concacaf B Licence, Sam is passionate about developing players and creating pathways to higher levels of the game. ERIC SCRAMSTAD - Eric has coached youth soccer for more than eight years and has a competitive playing background, including three seasons in Alberta’s ACAL futsal league. He currently holds a Canada Soccer C Licence and is working toward obtaining his B Licence, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in player development and coaching. JEREMY SCHAUBROECK – Jeremy's coaching philosophy focuses on creating a positive learning environment where players can build confidence, develop technical skills, and foster a lifelong love of the game. Jeremy hold a Canada C License, along with Active Start, Fundamentals, Learn to Train, Soccer 4 Life, and a Goalkeeper Diploma. MARCO LEITE - Marco is a former professional soccer and futsal player from Brazil with extensive experience both on the field and on the sidelines. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and currently possesses a Canada Soccer C Licence, with plans to pursue his B Licence in the near future. Internationally, Marco represented Ireland as a futsal coach at the UEFA Futsal Cup in Switzerland during the 2010/11 season. He later served as Head Coach of the Canadian U16 Futsal National Team, leading the squad at the AMF Futsal World Cup in Paraguay in 2021. He also worked as Assistant Coach with the U21 team in Guelph, Ontario. PRECIOUS ORISE - Precious is a Nigerian-Canadian soccer coach with a strong foundation in grassroots football development. Holding a Canada Soccer C License , I have a passion for player growth, technical development, and creating positive learning environments for young athletes. With experience rooted in the grassroots game, I’m dedicated to helping players build confidence, improve their skills, and develop a deeper understanding and love for the sport. ASHLEY BUECHLER - Ashley has represented Team Manitoba as a youth player, an adult player, and at the highest level with the University of Manitoba. She continues to play whenever possible and is currently pursuing her C Licence. Coaching allows her to give back to the game by helping players build technical skills, tactical awareness, confidence, and character, while fostering a strong team culture and creating memorable experiences along the way.

The following is the exciting press release from Surf Nation in San Diego about our new program. HERE is the club's GAME CHANGE presentation if you missed it in the theatre! San Diego, CA, June 1st, 2026 – Surf Nation is proud to announce the launch of its newest partner club, Okanagan Surf, further expanding the organization’s international footprint and strengthening the player development pathway in the surrounding communities of Kelowna and greater Okanagan region. Recognized as a leader in youth soccer, the Surf brand and community are renowned for their professionalism, on-field performance, football education, and, most importantly, their deep commitment to long-term player development. Surf Nation’s mission is to create the best of the best experiences and opportunities for players, coaches, and families; the addition of Okanagan Surf represents another step forward in that commitment. Effective immediately, Westside Lakers’ Development and Selects program will transition to Okanagan Surf, bringing the globally recognized Surf identity to British Columbia. Led by a senior leadership team of sports management executives and coaches with deep ties to the community, Okanagan Surf will continue to provide a high quality, player focused experience and will now have access to provide further opportunities for its players and coaching staff within the Surf Nation community. Okanagan Surf has demonstrated a strong commitment to grassroots development and sustained player progression. Its leadership team and coaching staff are fully aligned with Surf Nation’s standards and philosophy, dedicated to delivering a structured, high quality developmental environment. By joining Surf Nation, players and families at Okanagan Surf will gain access to expanded resources, enhanced development opportunities, and the support of a global soccer network dedicated to helping players reach their full potential both on and off the field. “We are delighted to bring the Surf brand, our program and resources to the Westside Lakers community.” Says Andy Prosser, Director of Surf Nation. “It was clear through early conversations that we are mission aligned and a project both organizations are excited about. Our aim is to create a robust competitive program with enhanced resources led by local leadership that now offers expanded opportunities locally, regionally, and nationally within the Surf Nation community. We are excited to welcome the Okanagan Surf community and look forward to becoming the premium destination for youth soccer within the Valley.” “We are thrilled to officially launch Okanagan Surf! By joining the Surf Nation family, we’re bringing a new standard of excellence to our local players and coaches.” Says Matt Holbrook, Executive Director. “This isn’t just a new name, it’s a comprehensive 10-month program from September to July designed to unlock every player’s potential through premium events, an enhanced training program, and world-class resources. We are proud to lead the way for soccer development in the Okanagan and look forward to supporting our athletes every step of the way on their soccer journey.” Additionally, Okanagan Surf players will now have direct access to Surf Select, Surf Nation’s elite player identification program for athletes ages U9 through U17 at both the regional and national levels. The Surf Select program draws from Surf Nation clubs across North America and provides selected players with opportunities to compete in some of the top domestic and international events in world football. About Surf: For over 49 years, Surf has proudly stood as a pioneer in youth soccer with a proven track record of developing players into international youth training centers, professional academies, the collegiate ranks, and professional teams around the world. With a legacy rooted in excellence, we’ve contributed over $12 million in charitable donations, claimed more than 20+ national championships, and helped launch the careers of countless professional, collegiate, and international players. At Surf, we are driven by one goal: to be the Best of the Best both on and off the field. Okanagan Surf joins our 60+ Surf affiliates to comprise what we are proud to call Surf Nation.

TO RESERVE UP TO 2 SEATS AT THIS GAME CHANGER EVENT, CLICK HERE TODAY WHILE THEY LAST! Current non-wysa players and parents on select/development teams are welcome to join for the May 31 screening only.

THE PHOTOS ARE IN!