It didn’t take long for James Cameron to become a permanent fixture on Vancouver FC’s roster as the BC club today announced the signing of the local winger to a multi-year deal. Cameron’s first professional contract comes with the introduction of the Exceptional Young Talent (EYT) subcategory that the Canadian Premier League (CPL) recently announced.

“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,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach of Vancouver FC.

Just two months ago, Vancouver FC announced that Cameron had joined the team on a CPL developmental contract. This made the North Vancouver native eligible to train and play in six professional matches with VFC while still keeping his amateur status with Unity FC. The 18-year-old made his professional debut on June 11, 2023 as a 72nd minute substitute against Cavalry FC and proceeded to make consecutive starts in the next five matches. 

“James Cameron is a work-horse of a player and he has consistently impressed everyone in our organization,” said Ghotbi.

Cameron reached his six allotted matches under his developmental contract on July 7, 2023 in which he had collected a total of 468 minutes played to lead all other CPL developmental contract players. His minutes also significantly contributed to Vancouver’s minimum requirement of 2,000 Domestic U21 minutes which the team reached at the completion of the match on June 25, 2023 against Valour FC.

“This has been an amazing experience for me and I’m just excited to continue working hard,” said Cameron. The local star made his most recent appearance in VFC’s previous match against Atlético Ottawa on July 16, 2023 where he played the full 90 minutes, registered one shot and recorded a team-high of 14 duels won.

“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,” acknowledges the 18-year-old. With his first professional contract etched in ink under the EYT subcategory, Cameron is no longer eligible to play for Unity FC, who he made three appearances for this season. 

The new EYT subcategory, which came into effect on July 14, 2023, allows Vancouver FC and all other CPL clubs to sign two additional U18 domestic players outside of their primary 23-man roster to occupy roster spots 24 and 25. In addition to signing Cameron, Vancouver has also designated TJ Tahid to the 25th roster spot under the EYT subcategory. 

Tahid signed his standard player contract on May 6, 2023 which made him the youngest player in CPL history. Tahid’s ‘exceptional young talent’ has already been demonstrated in just 10 appearances with Vancouver where he has scored two goals this season, ranking him third on the team for goals.

Vancouver FC is back in action at Willoughby Park on July 22, 2023 when Cavalry FC comes to visit. The Community Give Back match, presented by Telus, kicks off at 4 p.m. PDT with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. PDT. Tickets to watch these exceptional young stars play live are still available and can be purchased through this link.