CanMNT Youth Prospect Kevaughn Tavernier Turns Pro With Forge FC

Forge FC has confirmed the return of highly-touted Canadian youth international Kevaughn Tavernier on a multi-year contract.

Tavernier had turned heads after scoring in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup while with Forge on a development deal, bagging his first professional goal against Liga MX giant Chivas Guadalajara. He spent two stints with the side on short-term development contracts between ’23 and ’24, but did not return to the side last year.

The Brampton, Ontario-born forward had spent time with both the Canada U-20 and Canada U-17 teams and developed with Ontario Premier League powerhouse Sigma FC, recording an astounding 15 goals in 15 matches back in 2024. That year also saw Ligue 1 side AS Monaco take a close look at Kevaughn, inviting him to train with their reserves.

Now putting pen to paper on a multi-year deal in Hamilton, however, the 19-year-old has committed to professional terms in a more familiar environment. The full length or structure of the contract was not disclosed by Forge.

“KJ understands our expectations and what’s required at this level,” says Forge FC head coach and sporting director Bobby Smyrniotis. “He gives us another option in the final third and adds pace and energy to our attacking group.”

The new Forge FC 2026 kits were just released earlier today, and fans won’t have long to wait to see them in action: the club will host Liga MX giant Tigres UANL in Concacaf Champions Cup action next Tuesday. While Tarvernier wasn’t listed on the team’s tournament roster, he can still be added up to 48 hours ahead of the match.

The Canadian Premier League powerhouse has also added two players on short-term replacement contracts: League1 Ontario MVP Anthony Armatario and German goalkeeper Sjard Strauss, who we previously reported had been trialing with the team. Ahead of the club’s continental tilt, they’ve played with Orlando City FC and Playa del Carmen.

The offseason has seen a lot of big names depart with the likes of David Choiniere, Alessandro Hojabrpour, Beni Badibanga all departing, while key players like Jassem Koleilat and Alexander Achinioti-Jonsson have not returned to the roster. In turn, the club brought defender Daniel Krutzen out of retiremen, with Spanish prospect Ismael Oketokoun signing on.