Vancouver FC defender, Anthony White, has been on an impressive path of growth since catching the eye of the expansion team. The 19-year-old became the youngest player to be selected first overall in the CPL-U Sports draft before signing a standard-player contract just three months later. Now, the former University of Toronto defender has started in Vancouver’s last five matches and has turned some heads with his great performances. 

“I definitely think now that I’m playing, my confidence is up and I have more confidence to try more unique things that I would regularly do,” comments White.

That conviction was clearly demonstrated on July 2nd against York United when White, who had the ball on his feet just a bit shy of the midfield, saw Shaan Hundal sprinting towards the rival’s box. Without a doubt, White launched a precise 50-yard pass that Hundal converted into a goal. 

 “It’s just the confidence thing, now that I’m getting my chance. Having the belief in myself to do those kinds of unique passes.

“I also have to pay credit to Shaan for that assist. He made a good run,” recalls White.

White’s impact on the pitch has been noted, not only by the coaches, but by the league. The Port Moody native was named to the CPL Team of the Week 11 after playing a crucial part in VFC’s first home victory and clean sheet against Forge FC. 

His recent success may seem like it is coming from thin air but the skills, techniques, and systems were already clicking for the defender in training long before he got his first start on June 17. However, there was one final piece that really launched White’s path: a moment of self-assurance.

On June 5, White visited his youth club, Coquitlam Metro-Ford SC, which helped him find perspective. “I think it was a good kind of release and to step back a little bit, thinking about what I’ve accomplished”, explains White. The BC-boy excelled in the BC Soccer Provincial Program, Vancouver Metro Soccer League and League 1 BC which consequently provided training opportunities with multiple European clubs on different occasions. “I think [going back to Coquitlam Metro-Ford] helped me a little bit with my confidence because…I know to just keep doing what I’ve been doing.”

The left footed centreback also feels lucky to have the support of his family who have been in his boots before. Anthony’s older brother, Nikolas, plays with the Whitecaps in League 1 BC and their father, Chris White, trained with Celtic FC back in the day. “They say just to keep going because, at any time, I could lose the spot, right?” shares White on his family advice. “I can’t become complacent or anything like that. Just keep my head down, keep working hard and just keep doing what I do best.”

White has already accomplished a lot for himself in what is just the beginning of his career and he is ready to see what his most recent endeavor can accomplish. “We have a lot of chemistry now…I think our time will come.”

Watch and support the future of Canadian football right in your backyard at any one of Vancouver FC’s home matches. The team’s next match is Tuesday, June 20th with a 7 p.m. kick off and tickets can be purchased here.