Vancouver FC kicked off their preseason in style on Tuesday with the announcement of yet another young soccer talent, Elage Bah, joining their ranks ahead of the club’s second Canadian Premier League (CPL) season. 

“I am very excited to take the next step in my career with Vancouver FC,” Bah said about his new club.

The signing of Bah demonstrates VFC’s continued commitment to providing young, talented, Canadian players the opportunity to gain professional experience without having to travel outside of the country. Although Bah is a native of Ottawa, Ont., he has spent the last three years in Vancouver with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy program.

“I am thankful for and have enjoyed playing soccer in this province, which I consider a second home,” said Bah. “The fact that I get to continue my soccer path here is very special to me.”

The 19-year-old defender becomes the seventh domestic U-21 player to join the Eagles for the 2024 season where he’ll get a chance to learn alongside seasoned veterans of the game such as goalkeeper Callum Irving and midfielder Renan Garcia. Bah’s minutes this upcoming season, along with those from defenders Tyler Crawford, Anthony White, and James Cameron; midfielder Grady McDonnell; and forwards Mamadou Kane and TJ Tahid, will help VFC to achieve its league-mandated 2,000 domestic U-21 minutes, which the Eagles soared passed in 2023 with over 5,000 minutes logged.

“Bah is a ball of fire, full of personality, pace, and energy,” said Vancouver’s head coach Afshin Ghotbi. “I foresee a bright future for the young player with the technical and physical speed who can play both sides of the game.”

Bah comes to VFC after spending the last two seasons with Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) of MLS Next Pro where he made 32 starts in 45 appearances, scored one goal, and registered three assists. Bah was a key component to the 2023 WFC2 squad where he logged 1,861 minutes which was the third most within his squad.

Bah now follows in the footsteps of former-WFC2 turned VFC teammate, Vasco Fry, and will look to make his mark in the CPL.

“I’m looking forward to proving what I’m capable of in Canada’s top league.”