Vancouver FC’s James Cameron Receives First International Call Up

February 12, 2024 – Canadian Premier League (CPL) – Vancouver FC News Release

Langley, BC – Vancouver FC defender James Cameron earned his first call up to Canada’s men’s U-20 national team, after Canada Soccer announced on Monday that the native of North Vancouver will be part of the Canadian squad that will compete at the 2024 Concacaf Under-20 Championship Qualifiers starting later this month.

“It is an incredible honour to be called upon to represent my country for the first time,” said Cameron. “This year has been full of chances and opportunities that have helped me develop both as a footballer and as a person, and I couldn’t be more excited to add this next opportunity to the list.

“These last 12 months have been a whirlwind in the best way, and I am forever grateful for these experiences and the people who have helped to make them possible. I’m so excited to show what I can do for Canada.”

Cameron, who celebrated his 19th birthday at the end of January, will join Canada in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago this week ahead of the three-game competition, which serves as a qualifier for the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship. The qualifying tournament, which will take place from Friday, Feb. 23 to Saturday, March 2, will see six groups of either four or five teams battle a round-robin-style competition, with the first-place team from each group advancing to the U-20 Championship, to be played in the summer of 2024.

Canada has been drawn into Group D, where it will face Dominica on Friday, Feb. 23, St. Vincent & The Grenadines on Sunday, Feb. 25, and Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

“I am thrilled for James to be included in Canada’s U-20 national team,” said Afshin Ghotbi, Head Coach, Vancouver FC. “To wear the crest of your country on your chest is an honour and dream of every football player, and James embodies all the great characteristics of a Canadian international.

“James’ rise to the U-20 national team is another example of Vancouver FC’s contribution to the development of the next generation of Canadian football players. I am certain James will represent Canada with pride, honour and spirit that will propel him to the Canadian senior national team,” said Ghotbi.

Cameron had a breakout year in 2023 that began by joining Vancouver FC on a Development Contract in May out of open trials and turning professional with the Eagles by July under the Canadian Premier League’s (CPL) Exceptional Young Talent (EYT) roster subcategory. He finished…