Vancouver FC Select Luke Norman and Thomas Powell in the 2024 CPL-U Sports Draft
December 14, 2023 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Vancouver FC News Release
Langley, BC - Vancouver FC announced today the selection of midfielders Luke Norman and Thomas Powell in the 2024 Canadian Premier League-U SPORTS Draft, presented by Degree.
Both Norman and Powell can now be invited to join Vancouver for pre-season training and be eligible to compete for a roster spot for the 2024 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season.
"U SPORTS is an integral part of the Canadian football ecosystem promoting promising, talented players to the CPL and beyond," said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. "We have seen in Gabriel Bitar, Anthony White, and Ameer Kinani how former U SPORTS draft picks can make great contributions to our team and gain valuable experience to grow as professionals."
Norman, 19, was selected by Vancouver with the second overall pick out of the University of British Columbia (UBC). The Vancouver native completed his first season with the Thunderbirds in 2023, a consistent presence in the midfield who made 17 starts in 20 appearances in all competitions.
In Canada West (CW) competition, Norman scored four goals and registered six assists, which earned him a spot on the CW All Rookie team as well as a nomination for CW Rookie of the Year. Norman finished his inaugural season with UBC by playing in all three of the Thunderbirds' U SPORTS national championship matches and registering two goals, including the bronze medal game-winning goal against fellow CW competitors Mount Royal University.
"Luke Norman had a fantastic season at UBC and played a key role in their league championship season," said Ghotbi. "His football ideas, high football IQ and ball handling speed will fit perfectly to the style and brand of football VFC is developing for the 2024 season."
Norman played the majority of his youth soccer career in the Whitecaps FC Academy Program, which he joined in 2017 out of Fusion FC in the B.C. Soccer Premier League (BCSPL). Norman represented the Whitecaps for a second season in League1 BC in 2023 and helped lead his team to its first championship by scoring the winning goal in the ninth round of a nail-biting shootout.
Powell, 22, was selected by Vancouver with the 15th overall pick out of Trinity Western University (TWU). The native of Coquitlam, B.C., entered his third year at TWU in 2023 as a starter on the senior squad. Powell registered four goals and four assists in each of his previous two seasons with TWU, but the midfielder earned three more starts in 2023 for 16 total appearances. He was subsequently named a CW Men's First Team All-Star at the conclusion of the 2023 season.
"Another local player, Thomas Powell, is a complete footballer who will offer us depth, consistency and balance in the midfield," said Ghotbi. "His ability to play in tight spaces and create scoring opportunities against compact opponents are key attributes to his success."
In addition to representing TWU, Powell competed in League1 BC for Unity FC in 2023, making 11 appearances and scoring two goals. Powell began playing soccer at a youth level with Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club in the BCSPL.
"With the 2024 CPL-U SPORTS draft, we placed our focus on talented players from universities within the B.C. community," said Ghotbi. In selecting Norman and Powell, both locals of the surrounding cities, Vancouver continues its commitment to providing opportunities for young, aspiring talents in our community.
Canadian Premier League Stories from December 14, 2023
- CPL, U SPORTS Announce 2024 Draft Class - CPL
- Forge FC Selects Two Players in the 2024 CPL-U SPORTS Draft - Forge FC
- Pacific FC Selects a Forward and Centre Back in 2024 CPL-U SPORTS Draft - Pacific FC
- Cavalry FC Select Caden Rogozinski and Rodane Cato in 2024 CPL U Sports Draft - Cavalry FC
- Vancouver FC Select Luke Norman and Thomas Powell in the 2024 CPL-U Sports Draft - Vancouver FC
- Atlético Ottawa Selects Piccioli, Laplante in 2024 CPL-U SPORTS Draft - Atletico Ottawa
- Vancouver FC Trade 2024 CPL-U Sports Draft Pick with Cavalry FC - Vancouver FC
- Cavalry FC Trades Second-Round Pick in 2024 CPL U SPORTS Draft - Cavalry FC
- Valour FC Agree to Terms on Extension with Canadian Midfielder Dante Campbell - Valour FC
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