Langford, BC – (June 30, 2023) – Pacific FC today announced head coach James Merriman has signed a new three-year deal, with a club option for two more seasons.

The new deal, which begins in 2024, comes after Merriman, who was born and raised on Vancouver Island, became the winningest coach in club history earlier this season. He earned the top job in January 2022 after spending the three previous seasons as part of Pacific’s coaching staff, and has since led the club to a 25-12-13 record.

“James has been a pillar of this club since day one and we are very excited to secure his services well into the future,” said Josh Simpson, President, Pacific FC. “We have seen him develop into one of the top coaches in this country and we are lucky to have him continue his journey with us for another five years.”

Merriman has been a steadfast guide and champion of the club since its inception. He joined the coaching staff when the club was announced in 2018 and worked as assistant under Pacific’s previous head coaches, Michael Silberbauer and Pa-Modou Kah.

Merriman brings a unique understanding of the Island and the talent bred locally in B.C. and throughout the country. Merriman grew up playing in his hometown of Cedar, B.C., trialed in Europe and later played NCAA Division I soccer at the University of Denver.

The Merriman clan is a first family of football on Vancouver Island. Bill Merriman, James’ father, played local amateur soccer and served as head coach of Vancouver Island University, with his son as his assistant from 2009 to 2011. It was there that the younger Merriman’s love of coaching began, and he later went on to work with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, first part-time and then in a full-time capacity beginning in 2014.

There are few Canadian players who come to Pacific FC who Merriman isn’t already familiar with. His commitment to the game and developing Canadian youth has set him apart as a coach and leader in the country.

“James embodies the hard work and passion that this club and community are about,” said Josh Heard, Captain, Pacific FC. “He is a winner that cares deeply about the sport and the players that he leads.”

Merriman’s squad currently sits at the top of the Canadian Premier League standings with 25 points and two games in hand.