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Grady McDonnell pays one final visit to Willoughby Community Park before departing in record setting deal to Club NXT // Photo Credit: Beau Chevalier
Vancouver FC transfer Grady McDonnell in record setting deal to Club Brugge’s academy Club NXT
January 22, 2025

Vancouver FC: A Launchpad for Local Talent as Grady McDonnell Takes Flight

Vancouver FC is proving to be the ultimate launchpad for young soccer talent, staying true to its mission of identifying, developing, and showcasing the best local players. In just one season, the club has transformed from an expansion team into a powerhouse of player development, and now, it has sent a clear message to the soccer world: Vancouver FC is where futures are forged.

That message comes in the form of Grady McDonnell, the 16-year-old Surrey native whose meteoric rise has led to a club-record transfer to Belgian giants Club Brugge KV for an undisclosed fee plus future considerations. The move marks a record-setting transfer fee in Vancouver FC’s history and is a defining moment for a club that has quickly established itself as Canada’s premier talent incubator.

McDonnell joins Club NXT of Club Brugge in a record setting deal for Vancouver FC just over one year since joining the Eagles

For McDonnell, this transfer is the realization of a dream that once seemed distant. Just over a year ago, he was honing his skills in Vancouver’s youth system, searching for the right platform to prove himself. He found it at Vancouver FC, where the club’s commitment to young, homegrown players gave him the opportunity to compete at a professional level.

“When I signed with Vancouver, the club offered me the opportunity to continue my development by testing myself against professionals day in and day out, in training and, importantly, in competitive matches,” said McDonnell. “The club pushed me, helped me improve my game, and ensured I was ready for this next step. I’m grateful to Vancouver for their support, and I’m excited to start a new chapter with Club Brugge.”

From Local Talent to International Prospect

McDonnell’s journey is a testament to Vancouver FC’s vision. When he signed in January 2024, he became the youngest player to sign a professional Standard Player Contract in Canadian Premier League (CPL) history at just 15 years old. By May, he had already made his professional debut, becoming the third-youngest debutant in CPL history. Over the course of the 2024 season, he made 17 appearances, proving that age was no barrier to talent.

It was Vancouver FC’s commitment to young players that made the difference. Without the CPL—and more importantly, without Vancouver FC’s dedication to nurturing talent—McDonnell might have remained in the program he was, waiting for an opportunity that may never have come. Instead, in the span of one season, he was identified, developed, and propelled onto the global stage.

“Signing a talent like Grady, one of the top emerging players in Canada, shows the ambitions of our young club,” said Rob Friend, Co-Owner, President, and CEO of Vancouver FC. “His development demanded that he be given the right platform to thrive. We know this is just the beginning—for both Grady and for Vancouver FC as a club committed to fostering top talent.”

A Future Built on Player Development

McDonnell’s journey began at the tender age of five when he joined Coastal FC in South Surrey, following in the footsteps of his older brother. It was here, on the fields of his local community club, that he first fell in love with the game—a love that would set him on a path to professional football. At Coastal FC, he honed his foundational skills, embraced the joy of competition, and developed the work ethic that would propel him to the next level.

More than just a stepping stone, Coastal FC played a pivotal role in shaping McDonnell’s character. It was there that he learned the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that have been instrumental in his rapid ascent from grassroots soccer to the international stage. His story is a testament to the critical role grassroots clubs play in Canadian soccer, not just in developing talented players, but in fostering passion, commitment, and belief in young athletes.

The impact of youth soccer in the Fraser Valley and across Canada cannot be overstated. Every professional career begins at the community level, where clubs, coaches, and volunteers dedicate their time to nurturing young talent and providing a place for players to grow. Without these vital grassroots programs, the pathway to professional soccer would not exist.

Vancouver FC extends its deepest gratitude to Coastal FC and the entire grassroots soccer community for believing in Grady and for their ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of Canadian footballers. McDonnell’s journey is proof that talent can thrive when given the right environment, and his success belongs not just to one club, but to the entire Canadian soccer ecosystem that is being built.

McDonnell’s transfer isn’t just about one player—it’s a symbol of a shift in Canadian soccer. Young players no longer need to look beyond their own backyard to make it big. Vancouver FC has created a proven pathway from local fields to the world’s top leagues, proving that Canada can be a true development hub for elite talent.

Internationally, McDonnell had already gained valuable experience, representing both Canada and the Republic of Ireland at the youth level. With 26 appearances for Ireland’s U-15, U-16, and U-17 teams and a standout performance for Canada at the Concacaf U-15 Championship, his talent was already being recognized on the world stage. Now, with Club Brugge, he will take his next steps in a European football system known for developing world-class players.

For Vancouver FC, this is just the beginning. The club has set a new standard in player development, and McDonnell is the first of many who will rise through its ranks.

“We’re committed to being a home for top Canadian talent to develop, improve, and compete at a high level,” Friend added. “We know Grady will be the first of many Vancouver FC players to reach new heights with the support of our club.”

This transfer marks a new era for Vancouver FC and for Canadian soccer. It’s a signal that young talent doesn’t need to leave Canada to get noticed—they just need to be in the right environment. McDonnell’s success is proof that Vancouver FC is the place to be for aspiring stars, and the club is only getting started.

For young players dreaming of making it to the world stage, the message is clear: Vancouver FC is the club that will get you there. And for McDonnell, this is only the beginning of what promises to be an incredible career.

You witnessed history here first—Grady McDonnell, the youngest player ever in CPL history, and now the league’s second-biggest transfer. Don’t miss your chance to see the next rising star in the 2025 season with a Vancouver FC season ticket. Be there for the action and make history with us once more!

Win Grady’s Final Game Worn Jersey! Click HERE for more details.