Two B.C.-raised athletes are returning to the province to vie for a spot in the big leagues after being drafted by Langford鈥檚 Pacific FC in the 2025 Canadian Premier League-U SPORTS Draft.

Saanich鈥檚 Niklas Hallam, 19, was drafted fourth overall. The forward scored 10 goals in 13 matches during his first season with the University of Toronto in 2024, earning Ontario University Athletics Rookie of the Year honours. 

In the recent past, the Reynolds Secondary graduate helped his team win three consecutive B.C. boys鈥� AAA soccer championships, including scoring five goals in the 2023 final. He developed through Pacific FC鈥檚 Vancouver Island Wave program and played with Prospect Lake Soccer Club and Vic West.

鈥淣iklas is a player we know well,鈥� said Pacific head coach James Merriman. 鈥淗e developed in our youth system and showed his potential during last year鈥檚 pre-season.鈥�

North Vancouver鈥檚 Fin Tugwell, 21, was selected 12th overall. A fourth-year University of Victoria defender, Tugwell earned Canada West All-Star status twice and was named U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He played for Mountain United FC and attended Handsworth Secondary.

鈥淔in is a composed central defender and a leader at UVic,鈥� Merriman said. 鈥淗is consistency was recognized this year.鈥�

Both players will join Pacific FC鈥檚 pre-season camp to compete for roster spots in the 2025 CPL season.