Academy

2026 Whitecaps FC Academy Awards

2026.06.11 Caps academy Awards Night_hr_242

At the conclusion of the 2025-26 Vancouver Whitecaps FC BMO Academy season, the club held the annual Academy Awards celebrating achievements of players in the club's MLS Academy – part of the broader Whitecaps FC BMO Academy System.

Student-Athlete Award

Awarded to a student-athlete who has demonstrated academic excellence, been a model citizen of the school and has positively contributed to the school community.

  • Giuliano Brustolin – Whitecaps FC U-15 MLS Academy
  • Carson Lydell – Whitecaps FC U-16 MLS Academy
  • Aiden Bejaoui – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy

Cornerstone Award

Awarded to the player that has demonstrated a consistent level of leadership in their peer group. This player leads by example both on and off the field and epitomizes the club's cornerstones: Team Spirit, Discipline, Work Ethic, Mentality.

  • Elliott Kim – Whitecaps FC U-15 MLS Academy
  • Matthew Jones – Whitecaps FC U-16 MLS Academy
  • Masamitsu Fujiyasu – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy

Player of the Year

Awarded to the player that has been the consistent top performer for their team.

  • Gradyn Baker – Whitecaps FC U-15 MLS Academy
  • Manav Badwal – Whitecaps FC U-16 MLS Academy
  • Ryder Sewell – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy

Academy XI

Awarded to the eleven top-performing players in their position across all academy teams over the course of the season.

  • Goalkeeper: Sam Rogers – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy
  • Defender: Henry Hudspith – Whitecaps FC U-16 MLS Academy
  • Defender: Jesse Peace – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy
  • Defender: Elliott Kim – Whitecaps FC U-15 MLS Academy
  • Defender: Gradyn Baker – Whitecaps FC U-15 MLS Academy
  • Midfielder: Manav Badwal – Whitecaps FC U-16 MLS Academy
  • Midfielder: Ryder Sewell – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy
  • Forward: Aiden Bejaoui – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy
  • Forward: Hunter MacGowan – Whitecaps FC U-16
  • Forward: Yele Dazirignon – Whitecaps FC U-15
  • Striker: Tristan Chandra – Whitecaps FC U-15

Player’s Player of the Year

Awarded to the top contributor on each team, as voted by their teammates.

  • Tristan Chandra – Whitecaps FC U-15 MLS Academy
  • Simeon Cruickshank – Whitecaps FC U-16 MLS Academy
  • Aiden Bejaoui – Whitecaps FC U-18 MLS Academy

Congratulations to all winners, and to all graduating players!