Vancouver FC Academy Goalkeeper Gets Colombia U-17 Nod

The Vancouver FC U-19 academy just had one of their own called up for a Colombia U-17 training camp.

Felipe Jaramillo Drolet got the nod with Los Cafeteros midway through Vancouver FC U-19’s inaugural Fraser Valley Soccer League season. The 16-year-old goalkeeper was part of the Vancouver Whitecaps U-15 setup last year.

“This is a proud moment for Felipe and for Vancouver FC,” said Vancouver FC U-19 head coach Todd May, who previously assisted with FC Edmonton. “It demonstrates the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to grow and achieve their potential. Felipe’s success is a reflection of our commitment to developing local talent and contributing to the broader soccer ecosystem in Canada.”

The training camp will kick off today and run through to December 12 in Barranquilla, the capital of Colombia’s Atlantico Department. The camp will take place without head coach Juan Carlos Ramirez, whom the Colombian Football Federation reports will not continue with the U-17 side.

Jaramillo Drolet is the only player in camp to hail from North America. Vancouver FC describes the youth prospect as a player known for his vision and poise on the field, and even his versatility – though we’re not sure what that truly means for a goalkeeper.

The Canadian Premier League side is just two years old but has banked heavily on youth talent, signing the league’s youngest professional last season and then one-upping that this year by signing a 15-year-old midfielder to a three-year professional contract.

This season saw Vancouver FC Captain Callum Irving play every possible minute between the sticks for the Eagles, with Niko Giantsopoulos riding the bench 29 times and finishing with a yellow card to his name. It remains to be seen if the veteran goalkeeper will return in a number two role next year.

Header Image Photo Courtesy: Vancouver FC