VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Saturday the newest group of talented players selected to join the Whitecaps FC BMO MLS Academy.
The athletes were identified through the club's recent Talent ID Program and Showcase Event, where coaching staff evaluated hundreds of players from across the country. After a thorough assessment of technical skills, decision making, and overall potential, the club welcomes 35 new players to the BMO MLS Academy next season.
“We are truly excited about this group of players. They represent a wide range of communities and clubs, reflecting the growing strength and diversity of Canada’s youth soccer system. We’re confident that this talented group will help ensure a strong pathway from our academy into our first and second team for years to come,” said Paul Thompson, Whitecaps FC Manager, Academy Talent Identification.
“When I play soccer, I play for my team, community, and all the people who have made sacrifices for me. I couldn’t be more willing to work hard for them, but to be able to do that at Whitecaps FC is more than special. I feel so blessed to have the chance to grow further and be inspired here,” said Timothy Lodder, who is joining the academy from Surrey Football Club.
“Being invited to Whitecaps FC's BMO MLS Academy means everything to me. I joined the development academy in 2018 at seven years old. It's a dream come true and a big step toward my goal of becoming a professional soccer player. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I'm ready to work hard every single day to represent my family, team and everyone who believed in me,” added Tiago Ellis, who is joining the academy from Coquitlam Metro Ford Soccer Club.
The newest additions to the BMO MLS Academy are listed below:
Alberta
• Noah Messou (2010), Ramaar Russell (2010) – From: Born To Be Soccer Club
• Chidozie Onyegbula (2010), Noah Csernyanski (2010) – From: North Side United Football Club
• Nolan Schroyen (2011) – From: Lethbridge Football Club
British Columbia
• Jaskaran Singh (2011), Mide Ayorinde-Dada (2012) – From: Abbotsford Soccer Association
• Yele Dazirignon (2011), Taiyo Duffell (2012) – From: Burnaby Football Club
• Domenic Mobilio (2010), Aiden Sim (2011), Daniel Paczolay (2012), Hayden Eklof (2012), Tiago Ellis (2012) – From: Coquitlam Metro Ford Soccer Club
• Brayden Williams (2011), Alex Joseph (2012), Connor Moorhead (2012) – From: Coastal Football Club
• Charles Thiessen (2011) – From: Langley United Soccer Association
• Atticus Bigsby (2012), Grady Baker (2012), Oliver Dunn (2012) – From: North Vancouver Football Club
• Valentino Evans (2012) – From: Port Moody Soccer Club
• Timothy Lodder (2009), Enrique Galeas (2012), Manraj Mundi (2012), Tristan Chandra (2012) – From: Surrey Football Club
• Aspen Hoang (2011), Oliver Hirang McColl (2011) – From: Surrey United Soccer Club
• Elliott Kim (2011), Beckett Isaak (2010) – From: Vancouver United Football Club
• Liam Quinn (2011) – From: TSS Football Club
Ontario• Adam Ali (2011), Kamsiyochukwu Okafor (2011) – From: Futuro Soccer Academy
Quebec
• Kevin Faulkner (2010) – From: Gatineau Soccer Association
Nova Scotia• Connor Munn (2008) – From: Suburban Football Club
Keep an eye on the Whitecaps FC website and the club's social media channels for more information about the BMO MLS Academy system.
