CPL Vancouver FC

James Cameron Signs First Pro Deal with Vancouver FC

Published on July 20, 2023 under Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Vancouver FC News Release


Langley, BC - Vancouver FC today announced the signing of North Vancouver winger James Cameron to his first professional contract, a multi-year deal with club options that could keep him with Vancouver FC through 2026.

Cameron, 18, joins Vancouver's roster through the Exceptional Young Talent (EYT) subcategory that was introduced today by the Canadian Premier League (CPL). The newly announced designation, which became effective on Friday, July 14, allows CPL clubs to sign two additional under-18 domestic players outside of their primary 23-man roster, to occupy spots 24 and 25 on a club's master roster.

"James Cameron is a work-horse of a player and he has consistently impressed everyone in our organization," says Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. "To provide James with his first professional contract from a developmental one is exactly what our club and the league is about: giving young players a chance they may not have otherwise."

Cameron joined Vancouver in May on a developmental contract, which allowed the Canadian teenager the opportunity to train and play in up to six professional matches with the club while still maintaining his amateur status.

The North Vancouver native made his professional debut with VFC on June 11, 2023, when he was substituted into the club's match against Cavalry FC in the 72nd minute. It took Cameron less than a month to reach his maximum six allotted appearances while on a developmental contract, and his consistent play was rewarded with an inaugural professional deal.

"This has been an amazing experience for me and I'm just excited to continue working hard," says Cameron. "It has all happened so quickly, only joining the team a few months ago, but it gives me so much confidence to know that the coaches and management believe in me."

In Cameron's six developmental appearances with Vancouver, he made five starts and registered a total of 468 minutes with the BC team, leading all CPL players signed to developmental contracts. Cameron's playing time had a significant impact on Vancouver reaching its league-mandated minimum of 2,000 Domestic Under-21 Minutes after just 12 matches on June 25, 2023. Cameron's most recent appearance came on July 16, 2023 when he played a full 90 minutes against Atlético Ottawa and registered a team-high 14 duels won.

Prior to signing with Vancouver, Cameron represented Unity FC of League1 BC, where he made three appearances for a total of 95 minutes during the 2023 season. The winger played youth soccer for North Vancouver FC, Mountain FC, and Blaise Soccer Academy. Cameron also represented Team BC at the 2022 Canadian Summer Games in Niagara where he scored one goal.

In addition to the signing of Cameron, Vancouver FC announced the designation of Taryck "TJ" Tahid to roster spot 25 of the EYT subcategory. Tahid became the youngest player in CPL history to sign a standard player contract on May 6, 2023 and has since scored two goals in 10 appearances for the BC team.

Vancouver FC fans can see Cameron in action at the next home match on Saturday, July 22, 2023 when Cavalry FC visits Willoughby Park.

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