April 6, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Vancouver FC News Release
Langley, BC – Vancouver FC today announced the additions of midfielder Thomas Powell and forward Sebastian Dzikowski, two products of the British Columbia university soccer system, to the club’s developmental roster for 2024.
Both players join VFC on Canadian Premier League (CPL)-U SPORTS contract, which allows them the opportunity to gain valuable experience by training and competing in VFC’s professional environment without losing their U SPORTS eligibility. The 2024 CPL season marks the first time the league has included U SPORTS players on a club’s developmental roster rather than its master roster, further incentivizing clubs to maximize their player pool by bringing in U SPORTS players that do not count toward a club’s overall player compensation budget.
Powell, 22, was selected by Vancouver out of Trinity Western University (TWU) with the 15th overall pick in the 2024 CPL-U SPORTS Draft last December. Dzikowski, 22, who played his university soccer at the University of British Columbia (UBC), was not selected in last fall’s draft but is eligible for a CPL- U SPORTS Contract by virtue of declaring for the draft proceedings.
“We are very excited to offer U SPORT contracts for the second year in a row,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “These types of opportunities are important stepping stones in the development of Canada’s soccer landscape and we are very proud to provide these players with professional experience this season.”
Powell, a native of Coquitlam, B.C., completed his third year at TWU in 2023. He started in all 16 games for the Spartans, scoring four goals, registering four assists and earning a nod as a Canada West (CW)’s First Team All-Star. In his three seasons with TWU, Powell has scored 10 goals and logged nine assists in 44 appearances.
“After three years at TWU, I am very excited to sign a professional contract with my hometown team,” said Powell. “I am looking forward to developing my skills in this professional environment and committed to doing what I can both on and off the field to help the club.”
Powell also competed in League1 BC for Unity FC in 2023, making 11 appearances and scoring two goals. The midfielder is one of several current VFC players, including Kadin Chung, Anthony White, and David Norman, who previously represented Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club in the B.C. Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) as a youth player.
“Thomas has impressed us…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at OurSports Central Canadian Premier League CPL News…