Ukrainian Teen Venny Chernyshev Joins Pacific FC on Development Deal

Pacific FC announced on May 28 that 16-year-old Ukrainian striker Veniamin “Venny” Chernyshev has signed a development contract with the club. The young forward, born in Kramatorsk and raised in Kyiv, moved with his family to Kelowna, British Columbia in 2022 to escape the war in Ukraine. He is currently applying for Canadian permanent residency.

According to the club’s release, Chernyshev was scouted by Pacific’s Director of Football, Jamar Dixon, while playing in the Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League. He later joined the Pacific FC Wave Development Program and enrolled in The Football Academy. He now plays for the 2008 Van Isle Wave boys’ team, which recently won the BCSPL league and will compete at the Canada Soccer PDP U-17 Cup this August.

The CPL granted a special exemption allowing Chernyshev to sign, as development contracts are typically reserved for Canadian players. He remains eligible to play for his amateur side, while making up to four first-team appearances with Pacific.

“I saw Venny play, and I knew he was something special. There’s no limit to his potential,” said Dixon. Chernyshev shared his excitement: “I am living my dream of doing school and soccer at the same time. Even when the war is over, we want to stay in Canada. I want to play in the league and represent the CPL.”

Chernyshev is eligible for Pacific’s upcoming home fixture against Atlético Ottawa on Saturday, June 7 at Starlight Stadium.