Vancouver FC's James Cameron Receives First International Call Up
February 12, 2024 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Vancouver FC News Release
Langley, BC - Vancouver FC defender James Cameron earned his first call up to Canada's men's U-20 national team, after Canada Soccer announced on Monday that the native of North Vancouver will be part of the Canadian squad that will compete at the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualifiers starting later this month.
"It is an incredible honour to be called upon to represent my country for the first time," said Cameron. "This year has been full of chances and opportunities that have helped me develop both as a footballer and as a person, and I couldn't be more excited to add this next opportunity to the list.
"These last 12 months have been a whirlwind in the best way, and I am forever grateful for these experiences and the people who have helped to make them possible. I'm so excited to show what I can do for Canada."
Cameron, who celebrated his 19th birthday at the end of January, will join Canada in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago this week ahead of the three-game competition, which serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship. The qualifying tournament, which will take place from Friday, Feb. 23 to Saturday, March 2, will see six groups of either four or five teams battle a round-robin-style competition, with the first-place team from each group advancing to the U-20 Championship, to be played in the summer of 2024.
Canada has been drawn into Group D, where it will face Dominica on Friday, Feb. 23, St. Vincent & The Grenadines on Sunday, Feb. 25, and Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
"I am thrilled for James to be included in Canada's U-20 national team," said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. "To wear the crest of your country on your chest is an honour and dream of every football player, and James embodies all the great characteristics of a Canadian international.
"James' rise to the U-20 national team is another example of Vancouver FC's contribution to the development of the next generation of Canadian football players. I am certain James will represent Canada with pride, honour and spirit that will propel him to the Canadian senior national team," said Ghotbi.
Cameron had a breakout year in 2023 that began by joining Vancouver FC on a Development Contract in May out of open trials and turning professional with the Eagles by July under the Canadian Premier League's (CPL) Exceptional Young Talent (EYT) roster subcategory. He finished the year by training with elite English Premier League (EPL) clubs such as Luton Town.
Cameron made 19 appearances for his hometown club throughout VFC's inaugural season and scored his first professional goal on September 9, 2023 against Atlético Ottawa, a game-winner that he produced in injury time. The 1,504 total minutes he logged in CPL play ranked fourth in the league amongst domestic U-21 players.
He finished the 2023 season leading Vancouver's squad in total tackles with 70 and duels won with 129, finishing second in tackles won with 43, and third in aerial duels won with 19. His total tackles and tackles won ranked Cameron second and fifth, respectively, in those categories league-wide. He also collected two CPL Gatorade Team of the Week honours in 2023, and earned a nomination for the Best Canadian U-21 Player award in October 2023.
Canada could make its 25th appearance at the Concacaf Under-20 Championship if the team wins its group, having previously won the tournament twice in 1986 and 1996. All of Canada's matches will air live on OneSoccer, available on the fuboTV Canada platform, as a linear channel on Telus's Optik TV (Channel 980), as well as online at OneSoccer.ca and through the OneSoccer app. Fans will find extended coverage across VFC's and Canada Soccer's digital channels on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube featuring the hashtag #CANM20.
Following the qualifiers, Cameron will return to Vancouver, where he will join his teammates at VFC in preparation for the 2024 CPL season, his second with the club.
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Canadian Premier League Stories from February 12, 2024
- Vancouver FC's Grady McDonnell to Represent Republic of Ireland Men's U-17 Squad in Upcoming Friendlies - Vancouver FC
- Cavalry FC Launches 2024 Kits - Cavalry FC
- Wanderers Sign Canadian Defender Kareem Sow Through 2025 Season - HFX Wanderers FC
- Forge FC Attacker Kevaughn Tavernier Called up to U-20 Canadian Men's National Team - Forge FC
- Vancouver FC's James Cameron Receives First International Call Up - Vancouver FC
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