Two youth soccer clubs in Chilliwack have announced a merger, saying it will strengthen the sport for Fraser Valley players.
Starting in September, jerseys will bear logo for the new club, Tzeachten Chilliwack United (TC United). Chilliwack FC and Tzeachten FC made the announcement April 23, saying they will officially launch the new club in September 2025.
The merger is being made "with the shared goal of delivering an even stronger and more inclusive soccer experience for players and families throughout the Chilliwack community," a joint press release stated.
The newly formed club will serve the entire eastern Fraser Valley, including communities east of Chilliwack, which currently have no dedicated soccer clubs, it stated.
Derek Epp and Darryn Botha, club presidents of Tzeachten FC and Chilliwack FC respectively, signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this month.
They called it the "start of a collaborative journey toward building a single club that honours both legacies while embracing a united future."
“This merger is about more than combining clubs, it’s about combining strengths,” said Botha. “We believe we’re better together, and this partnership sets the foundation for something truly special for our players, coaches, and families.”
Epp said he is proud of how both clubs have unified to put the players and community first.
“Coming together is the best decision for our region's soccer community, and this is an important step towards achieving our collective goals of providing an
inclusive environment for all levels of soccer," he said. "By joining forces, we can offer more opportunities, deeper community connections, and a shared vision that reflects the values both clubs have long upheld."
They will soon be adding an FAQ to both club's existing websites, with information on fees, teams, schedules and coaches. They are also planning townhall meetings for interested parties to ask questions, provide input and hear directly from club leadership.
The press release states that both clubs are "committed to clear communication, transparency, and ongoing support for players, families, and coaches."
They've developed a four-phase roll-out plan including a brand reveal campaign later this spring, registration and open training sessions in the summer, and a launch celebration in September. They said there will be special general meetings and annual general meetings to ensure proper governance and member engagement throughout the process.
"With the merger, players can look forward to improved programming, enhanced coaching development, and a renewed focus on excellence, community, and
opportunity," the press release said. "From grassroots to high-performance levels, the new club will be better positioned to provide one of the strongest soccer development pathways in the Fraser Valley."
For ongoing updates and key dates, visit www.chilliwackfc.com and www.tzeachtenfc.ca and follow both clubs on social media.
