Vancouver FC has openly addressed its purpose of cultivating opportunities for youth to grow and thrive through soccer. Over the course of the first half of their inaugural season, Vancouver has seemed to accomplish just that. They have signed young stars, including 16-year-old TJ Tahid, blew past the league mandated 2,000 Domestic U21 minutes, and is now leading all other CPL teams in that category.
However, one thing that this proudly young team has had difficulty with is experience and composure under pressure. One way to obtain these skills is simply through time and practice; but another way is by providing accessible role models and leaders.
Without being able to cheat time, Vancouver has demonstrated their willingness to provide experienced veterans as guides through Callum Irving, 30, and with the recent signings of Miki Cantave, 26, and Alejandro Díaz, 27. The BC side has now added a fourth veteran to their squad with the signing of midfielder Renan Garcia through to the end of the 2023 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season.
“Renan is a seasoned professional who can help to shape our culture at Vancouver FC,” believes Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC.
Renan has an extensive resume in the global football world, first getting his start in Brazil before moving to Europe. He has played for the likes of U.C. Sampdoria in Italy, CFR Cluj in Romania, and Vitória S.C. and S.C. Beira-Mar in Portugal.
“In my career, I played in many countries, and I have many experiences,” says Renan. “Coming to North America and Canada is a challenge for me, but I like a challenge.”
Although a challenge, Renan has experience in fighting from the bottom as he was a part of the U.C. Sampdoria team that was promoted from Serie B to Serie A after the 2011/12 season. He remained with the Italian side until August 2014 when he joined the United Arab Emirates Pro League and spent two years there.
Renan most recently spent time with a pair of clubs in his native Brazil but is excited for his next adventure in Canada, “I’m in a good place in life now to guide some of the younger guys and answer their questions with the hope of leading by example.”
The international midfielder will now be the oldest Vancouver FC player at the age of 37. However, Vancouver’s average 23-man roster age only goes up by 0.6-years-older to 23.3-years-old when including Renan’s age. That’s because the expansion side has 30% of its roster as U-21’s and has only five players, including Renan, over the age of 25.
Ghotbi recognizes the guidance that a veteran player like Renan can bring to a young team and even provide better development for those just starting professionally, “His experience and leadership in the midfield will help to direct our systems and manage our attacking strategies.
“Along with our other new additions, Diaz and Miki, and Callum in the net, Renan can help in setting the right professional examples for our young players on and off the field,” says Ghotbi.
Renan could make his CPL debut on Sunday, July 16th when Vancouver heads to the nation’s capital to take on Atlético Ottawa. The young team has made significant progress since the last time they played Ottawa, and with the addition of experienced leaders, there is no telling how far VFC will be able to go.
Vancouver FC has also announced other roster changes including the mutually agreed upon termination of Gael Sandoval’s contract, as well as the mutual termination of Kourosh Jamshidi’s developmental contract. Finally, VFC forward Shaan Hundal will now wear jersey No. 10 for Vancouver FC.
