Vancouver FC now has nine B.C. born-and-raised athletes on its roster for its 2024 the Canadian Premier League (CPL) campaign.
Its latest signing is originally from New Westminster and is coming off one of the biggest achievements of his career — winning a major trophy on European soil.
David Norman is joining the Eagles' second season as a professional soccer club, signing a two-year contract on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
This will be the 25-year-old's third stint in the CPL. He made eight appearances with Pacific FC in 2019 on a loan from Vancouver Whitecaps FC and played 42 combined games from 2021 and 2022 with Cavalry FC.
However, the defender's most recent experience overseas may be of big help to Vancouver FC's backline.
Norman was a key player for St. Patrick's Athletics FC in the League of Ireland's Premier Division last year, ultimately winning the FAI Cup before a record crowd of nearly 44,000 people at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
He was on the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes en route to the championship.
After the thrill of winning a major title, he said he's ready to play the game he loves in front of family and friends.
"Football has taken me across the globe and provided me with incredible opportunities and experiences that I’ll cherish forever, but there is something very special about getting to do what I love in front of my friends and family that I couldn’t get anywhere else but here," Norman explained in a team release.
Raised in Coquitlam, Norman is the son of David Norman Sr., a Canadian national men's soccer team alum of 55 international matches that included the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
Norman Jr. has suited up 16 times for Canada, including in the 2020 CONCACAF Men’s Olympic Qualifying Championship starting in three of four matches.
His lone international goal was scored during the Copa México de Naciones Sub-15 tournament in 2013.
"David is tactical, comfortable on the ball, possesses a winning mentality, and will bring stability and consistency to our backline," said Vancouver FC head coach Afshin Ghotbi of his new recruit.
"His maturity both on and off the field will help our transition from an expansion club to a contention team."
Norman only has one CPL goal to his name from 2022 as a co-captain with Cavalry FC.
His début with Vancouver FC is slated for April 14, 4 p.m. against Valour FC at Willoughby Community Park Stadium — located at 7782 200 St. in Langley.
