August 30, 2018 - Lac La Biche, Alberta. The Portage College Voyageurs Men's and Women's Soccer program is excited to announce that Claude Bolton will be their Head Coach.

Bolton brings a wealth of soccer knowledge to the community having both international coaching and playing experience. The Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) has had professional, national, and provincial coaching appointments in Guyana, Trinidad, India, Alberta, Ontario, & British Columbia, as well as leading varsity programs at Trent University, in the Ontario University of Athletics and Keyano College in the ACAC. He is licensed by both the United States Soccer Federation and Union of European Football Associations and has headed both Canada's and Guyana's Men's National Futsal teams. Coach Bolton has helped guide national teams in regional CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Tournaments, including the final round of 2016 Women's Olympic Qualifying. He has been a Regional Head and Youth Development Coach for two Major League Soccer Clubs (MLS) - New York Red Bulls & Vancouver Whitecaps FC - as well as holding positions as a Technical Director and Coach within various youth soccer associations in Canada and internationally. He has also received the 3M Recognition award for his outstanding contribution to support community soccer in Ontario.

"During the process to hire our first coach we were looking for someone that had the experience of coaching in a post-secondary setting, technical background with all ages of athletes, understanding of the international student processes, ability to recruit high quality student-athletes, good communicator and organized," said Portage College Manager of Athletics, Jim Knight. "This is a coach with passion for the sport that will build our program from the ground up and to take on the challenge of building a competitive ACAC soccer program on both Men's and Women's teams."

Bolton's playing experience has seen him play for the Guyana National team, Captain of an National Collegiate Athletic Association squad while on a full athletic scholarship, and competed in the National Soccer League in Canada with the Windsor Wheels.

"I am quite honoured, privileged, and excited to be afforded the opportunity to help build the Voyageurs program as its first Head Coach of Men's & Women's Soccer," Said Bolton. "During the selection process I came to understand the pride that Portage College has in being a member of the Lac La Biche community. The evident support, commitment, and vision offered by Jim Knight, the College, and local government bode well for the success of our new soccer program and the entire athletics department. I look forward to help write a new chapter in this special family.

"Bolton is currently finishing up his Master of Education (MEd) in Coaching Studies at the University of Victoria in December. He will start next week finalizing the recruiting class for the exhibition season and then work on bringing more quality student-athletes to Portage College for the 2019/20 inaugural outdoor soccer season in the ACAC.

Further questions can be directed to Portage College Manager of Athletics Jim Knight at 780-623-5545.