Nautsa’mawt FC Adds Goalkeeper Raymond Fox
By Newly-rebranded League1 BC side Nautsa’mawt FC has announced its first player signing of its Hope and Health era, with Sweetgrass First Nations member Raymond Fox signing on with the side.
The six-foot-two goalkeeper hails from the Treaty 6 territory of Saskatchewan and, as a Plains Cree, arrives as the club’s first Indigenous signing of the Nautsa’mawt FC era.
He will be a familiar face to club owners Hope And Health For Life Society, having helped coach youth athletes for the organization in the past. He’s also a member of the Saskatchewan Huskies, and has previously suited up for Red Deer Polytechnic.
“I want to inspire the next generation of Indigenous athletes to break barriers and achieve their goals,” said Fox on the move. “Also, being apart of this amazing organization and to be connected to all the great coaches and staff to continue to become a better player!”
Fox had also previously signed with semi-professional side Valley FC Raiders, who operate in the NISA Nation division down in Arizona.
The Hope and Health For Life Society aims to increase access to sport for development and social impact opportunities with a focus on Indigenous children and youth, with the team hosting an Indigenous player trial at BC Place last month.
That trial attracted 27 attendees, with more Indigenous players also testing themselves on later stages of club evaluations.
Fox will join a team that enjoyed a wonderful debut campaign last season, with the club – under its prior Varsity FC moniker – leading the league in goals scored and finishing atop the men’s division as regular season champions before bowing out to the TSS Rovers in the Championship final.