Agassiz soccer player to represent Canada in Chile camp

Published 10:58 am Monday, August 10, 2026

An Agassiz soccer player is in elite company as he prepares to represent Canada in Chile.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC BMO Academy player Oliver Hirang McColl was one of three players recently selected for the U-15 national team camp at the ANFP Federación de Fútbol de Chile facility in Santiago, Chile. This is a joint camp that also includes six ‘Caps players from Canada’s U-16 national team, and both sides are set to take on their Chilean counterparts in friendly matches later this month.

Hirang McColl grew up in the Chilliwack FC, most recently playing for the Vedder Middle Vipers.

The U-15 squad players Wednesday, Aug. 19 and Saturday, Aug. 22. For the U-15 squad, this camp is a way to create a positive first experience to help them understand the pride, standards and expectations of representing Canada abroad as athletes.

These camps are also a way to prepare U-15 and U-16 players for the U-17 FIFA World Cup. The U-17 World Cup has recently expanded to 48 teams and moved to an annual cycle from 2025 to 2029, with a World Cup scheduled for every year instead of every two years.

“This is the first time our program has brought together two Youth National Team age groups for an international camp,” said Mike Vitulano, Canada Soccer’s men’s regional excel director. “We want to take full advantage of this opportunity to create a meaningful experience for both our players and the staff involved.”

Hirang McColl’s story will be documented via Instagram at oliverhirangmccoll.