The Canadian Premier League’s youth movement was in full force this past week as multiple young Canadians signed their first professional contracts across the league. Plus, Pacific FC added another exciting young goalkeeper on loan, and both themselves and Valour released stunning new kits ahead of this upcoming campaign. Here are the biggest stories around the Canadian Premier League this week:
Atlético Ottawa sign hometown keeper Tristan Crampton, add 18-year-old Joaquim Coulanges
Atlético Ottawa shored up their goalkeeping position this week with the signing of 23-year-old Ottawa local Tristan Crampton on Thursday. Crampton was a central figure in Ottawa South United winning the Ligue1 Québec Reserve Division this past campaign, awarded the Golden Glove as the league’s best goalkeeper. He has also spent the past three seasons with the UQTR Patriotes in U SPORTS. Atleti also added 18-year-old wide player Joaquim Coulanges to their ranks this past week. The Montréaler has been in the CF Montréal academy system since 2015 and has been previously called into camp by the Canadian U-17 national team. Coulanges can play anywhere along the left flank, giving Ottawa some key versatility in this area of the pitch. Described as a technically excellent and hardworking player, he is one to watch in the capital this season and beyond.
Vancouver FC sign 17-year-old Kevin Podgorni
No club this off-season has embraced the youth movement quite like Vancouver FC. This week, they added yet another talented youngster to their ranks with the signing of 17-year-old Mississauga-born attacker Kevin Podgorni on Thursday. Podgorni is a versatile attacker, who can play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or false nine. He spent this past campaign with ProStars FC, and put up great numbers for their U-20 reserves side. He has already opened his account with the club in pre-season. He joins a Vancouver FC primary roster that already includes teenagers Emrick Fotsing and TJ Tahid. Fellow youngsters Grady McDonnell and James Cameron were sold earlier in the off-season to Club Brugge and Colorado Rapids, respectively, with Podgorni mentioning this fact as a key reason why he signed with the Eagles as a club that has shown a clear mandate to develop young Canadians.
Pacific FC add goalkeeper Max Anchor on loan
Following the departure of CPL Golden Glove winner Emil Gazdov to CF Montréal last month, Pacific FC acquired Max Anchor on loan from the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday. The 20-year-0ld Anchor became the second youngest keeper in MLS history to start a match when he did so at 17 against Charlotte FC during the 2023 season. He has largely spent the past three seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps 2 in MLS Next Pro, making 33 appearances in all competitions. Pacific also announced this week that they had signed Mattias Vales to a development contract. The 17-year-old midfielder came through the Vancouver Island Wave Program.
Valour FC unveil 2025 home and away kits
On Thursday, Valour FC hosted their annual kit launch at Princess Auto Stadium, where they unveiled an instant classic pair of kits for the 2025 season. Their 2025 home kit features stripes of ‘wheat gold’ and ‘earth black’, paying homage to the club’s Manitoba roots. Valour’s alternate kit, meanwhile, is sunset-inspired featuring an ombre gradient of yellow, orange and red. Both kits are now available for pickup at the team store located at Princess Auto Stadium.
Pacific FC reveal 2025 home kit
After unveiling their ‘Sky’s the limit’ alternate kits last week, Pacific FC revealed their stunning 2025 home kits on Sunday. Unveiled at Market Square in Victoria on Sunday afternoon, the ‘Rising Tide’ kit is inspired by the different stories and inspirations of those who support, represent and play for the club. Both of Pacific FC’s 2025 kits are available for purchase now.