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Joey Buchanan signs Development Contract with the Eagles through 2025
February 3, 2025

Joey Buchanan is set to continue his journey with Vancouver FC, as the club has re-signed the promising young defender to a Development Contract for the 2025 Canadian Premier League season. After an impressive 2024 campaign, where he integrated into the first-team environment and showcased his potential, the 17-year-old from Squamish, B.C., is eager to take the next step in his professional career.

Squamish-native Joey Buchanan joins the Eagles for his second stint on a Development Contract

“Last season was an amazing opportunity to develop and grow into a professional environment. This season I am grateful for the opportunity to be back and soon kick off my professional career,” Buchanan said after signing his new deal.

Buchanan first caught Vancouver FC’s attention in early 2024 when he attended the club’s Open Trials, the same ones that had unearthed standout talents like James Cameron and TJ Tahid the previous year. His composure, defensive awareness, and work ethic stood out, earning him a Development Contract, which allowed him to train full-time with the first team while maintaining his amateur status.

A Development Contract is a crucial pathway for young Canadian players looking to break into the professional ranks. Under CPL regulations, a player signed to a Development Contract must be a Domestic Under-18 Player (born between 2007 and 2009) and is eligible to make appearances in up to eight (8) CPL matches during the season. This is facilitated through two four-match permits, allowing Buchanan to gain professional experience while still retaining his amateur status and continuing to develop at the youth level.

To further his development, Buchanan has been actively playing for the VFC U19 Academy, which competes in the Fraser Valley Soccer League (FVSL). This additional match experience has been instrumental in maintaining his competitive edge and match fitness during the off-season. Balancing first-team training with consistent minutes in the FVSL has allowed him to sharpen his skills and stay game-ready, helping bridge the gap between youth and professional football. Providing this strong foundation for development and pathway to the professional game VFC is proving that the Valley is home to the next generation of local soccer stars.

Recognizing the importance of a strong developmental structure, Vancouver FC has partnered with Langley United Soccer Association (LUSA) and their newly launched League1 BC franchise, establishing LUSA as their official League1 BC affiliate club for the 2025 season. This collaboration creates a vital stepping stone for young players like Buchanan, providing a clear pathway to transition from academy and amateur football to the professional level. With LUSA serving as Vancouver FC’s development affiliate, Buchanan and other emerging talents will gain increased playing opportunities, competitive match experience, and structured guidance under the combined oversight of Langley United and Vancouver FC’s coaching staff. 
This partnership between Langley United and Vancouver FC is a game-changer for player development at Langley United. It provides a clear pathway for young talent to grow, compete at higher levels, and ultimately realize their dreams of playing professionally.” – Mark Parker Technical Director, LUSA.

Buchanan’s progression to this point has been one of steady growth. Growing up in Squamish, he developed his skills through the Squamish Youth Soccer Association before moving on to more competitive clubs like Mountain United FC and North Vancouver FC. In 2023, he played for Burnaby FC, where he played a key role in winning both the B.C. Provincial Championship and the Under-17 Boys National Championship.

Now, after a strong first season with Vancouver FC, the club has rewarded his progress with another development contract. Head coach Afshin Ghotbi has emphasized the importance of investing in local talent, believing players like Buchanan exemplify the depth of untapped potential in British Columbia’s soccer scene.

“The vision and goals of this club are incredibly inspiring, for not only myself but for youth in Vancouver, and I am proud to be a part of that vision going into the 2025 season,” Buchanan said.

Buchanan (#40) plays his part in the buildup to a goal in a Vancouver FC friendly against Fulham’s U21 squad.

For Buchanan, 2025 is all about breaking into the first team and making his professional debut. “My goals for this season are to make my debut and get my first professional minutes, to sign my first full professional contract, and to continue to have a positive impact on this club and football in our community.”

With Vancouver FC’s investment in its developmental structure, Buchanan is in a prime position to continue his growth and push for a place in the senior squad. His involvement with the first team, U19 Academy, and LUSA League1 BC team underscores the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and creating clear pathways for young players to progress.

With another year of development ahead and his sights set on his first professional contract, Joey Buchanan’s journey with Vancouver FC is just beginning. If 2024 was about learning and adapting, 2025 is shaping up to be the year he makes his mark.

Vancouver FC recently launched Season Memberships for the upcoming 2025 Canadian Premier League Season. Fans looking to join the Eagles at the Langley Events Centre for the upcoming season can purchase tickets here.