In a heartwarming return to his hometown club, Thomas Powell, a 23-year-old midfielder from Coquitlam, B.C., is back with Vancouver FC for the 2025 season. It’s a story of growth, determination, and a deep connection to both his roots and his future. After a year of learning and sharpening his skills in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), Powell is ready to take his game to the next level with the Eagles.

Powell’s journey to VFC began in 2024, when the club made him the 15th overall pick in the CPL-U SPORTS Draft after his standout performances at Trinity Western University (TWU). From there, Powell’s hard work in the preseason earned him a spot on VFC’s roster, and the young midfielder quickly made his mark, playing six games for the team during the 2024 season and accumulating 186 minutes on the pitch. His passion for the game and relentless drive were undeniable.

Though Powell returned to his university team after the season, Vancouver FC never lost sight of him. With his contract rights still in the club’s hands, Powell’s return for 2025 was secured without the need to draft him again. It was a full-circle moment for Powell—a player who grew up just down the road from VFC’s Langley facilities and had always dreamed of playing for his hometown team.

“It feels amazing to sign again with Vancouver FC,” Powell shared with excitement. “I learned so much in my first year with the team about what it takes to be a professional. Now, I want to put those lessons into action and help the team achieve our goals this season.”

Joining Powell for the 2025 season will be fellow CPL-U SPORTS signings Henri Godbout and Medhi Essoussi, two emerging talents with similar aspirations. Godbout, an American-Canadian attacker from the University of British Columbia, and Essoussi, a talented midfielder from the University of Toronto, will make up the trio of young players eager to prove themselves at the professional level.

Powell’s time with the TWU Spartans last fall saw him continue to thrive. In 16 appearances, he contributed one goal and four assists, earning a well-deserved spot on the Canada West second team. Across his four years with the Spartans, Powell made 60 appearances, scoring 10 goals and registering 16 assists. His strong performances earned him recognition and respect both at the university level and beyond.

Before his university days, Powell honed his skills in the local Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club and made an impact in League1 BC with Unity FC. But now, his eyes are firmly set on his future with Vancouver FC, the team that has nurtured his growth as a player and supported his journey every step of the way.

As Powell puts on the VFC kit once again, it’s more than just a contract—it’s the realization of a dream. The community that supported him from the very beginning now has a chance to watch him shine on the professional stage. For Powell, the 2025 season is about more than playing soccer; it’s about representing his hometown, his family, and all those who have believed in him.

It’s a new chapter, and with the determination of a Spartan, Thomas Powell is ready to make his mark with Vancouver FC. The journey ahead is tough, but he’s ready for what’s to come.