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VFC U-19 Academy’s Dominic Joseph signs Development Contract with first team
February 5, 2025

Vancouver FC continues to invest in young talent, securing the signing of promising 16-year-old midfielder Dominic Joseph to a Development Contract ahead of the 2025 Canadian Premier League season. The young standout, who has progressed through Vancouver FC’s U-19 Academy program, now takes the next step in his career by joining the first team setup while maintaining his amateur status.

For Joseph, this opportunity is both a challenge and a reward for his dedication to the game. “Vancouver FC has accepted me, challenged me, and given me a chance, and I’m ready to give my all.”

Joseph’s pathway to Vancouver FC is a testament to British Columbia’s strong soccer development system. He was first identified through the 2008 BC Soccer Provincial Program, which has been instrumental in developing and pushing young players toward professional opportunities and Canada Soccer’s youth national teams programming. His performances at the Provincial Program level led to an invitation to the Vancouver FC August Combine, where he quickly caught the attention of the club’s technical and operational staff.

His ability to read the game, his composure on the ball, and his relentless work ethic stood out, ultimately earning him a Development Contract—a crucial stepping stone 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 feature in up to eight (8) CPL matches throughout the season, gaining invaluable professional experience while retaining amateur status.

Vancouver FC’s U-19 Academy Head Coach, Todd May, has been a key figure in Joseph’s development and expressed his pride in seeing another academy player step up to the senior team:

“Dominic is a fantastic young man and a wonderfully talented player who has flourished since joining the U-19 program. My role is to challenge, support, and create the right conditions for players like Dom in their development in order for them to reach their potential. His dedication and progress have been outstanding, and now we’re both proud and excited to see a second player from our academy take his deserved next steps with the first team.”

Joseph becomes the second player from Vancouver FC’s U19 Academy to sign with the senior team, further reinforcing the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent. His progression aligns with Vancouver FC’s strengthened developmental pathway, which now includes a partnership with Langley United Soccer Association (LUSA) and their newly launched League1 BC team. This affiliation provides young players with structured opportunities to transition from youth and amateur football to the professional level, ensuring continued development under the combined oversight of LUSA and Vancouver FC’s coaching staff.

For Joseph, reaching this stage of his career is not just about personal success—it’s also about the people who have supported him along the way. “To my family, your endless support has been the foundation of my journey. Thank you for believing in me.”

As he prepares to step onto the professional stage, Joseph remains grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped his journey. “Grateful to God for every opportunity, every challenge, and for being with me on this journey.”

With the support of Vancouver FC’s first team, U-19 Academy, and the LUSA partnership, Joseph now has a clear pathway to establish himself at the senior level. His hard work, dedication, and natural talent have earned him this opportunity, and 2025 could be the year he makes his mark on the professional stage.

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.