Richmond United Metro Selects graduate Jason James has signed his first professional contract with Inter Zapresic of the Croatian Premiere division.
James went to Zagreb after his 18th birthday in October for a trial and returned to Canada for the Christmas break.
He rejoined the club in late January to continue his trial and was signed last week.
Inter Zapresic is currently in seventh place in the 16-team Croatian Premiere League and play at the Zapresic stadium with a capacity of 5,000.
Meanwhile another Richmond Youth Soccer Association product is among the 2012 recruitment class for the Simon Fraser University men's soccer team.
Colin Jacques is one of four Lower Mainland players who have signed Letter of Intent to play at the Burnaby Mountain campus.
"It is very rare for us in this day and age to find four elite players like this in our own backyard," said head coach Alan Koch. "As is consistent with our recruiting over the years, we look local first before looking at any foreign talent, and thankfully we have found these four outstanding student-athletes."
Jacques grew up in the RYSA system and played last season for the Vancouver Fusion of the B.C. Premier Soccer League.
The McMath secondary student is a two-time winner of the Golden Boot Award as the top scorer at the B.C. "AAA" high school championships. He typical plays striker but is effective on the wing too.
"Colin is an explosive and dynamic striker who will fit in with our team right away. I am delighted that he chose to stay in B.C. to further his footballing aspirations and earn his degree," said Koch.
Jacques will begin his career at SFU when he reports to training camp at the end of August.
He is joined by Simon Cohen (White Rock), Gilbert Kyne (Burnaby) and Tristan Wallis-Mayer (West Van).
