Whitecaps sign youngest active MLS player Alphonso Davies

Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced Friday the signing of 15-year-old Homegrown Player Alphonso Davies to a multi-year deal, making the Edmonton-born midfielder the youngest active player in Major League Soccer.

The contract makes Davies the third-youngest player to sign an MLS deal and the seventh Whitecaps FC 2 player in Carl Robinson's squad, according to a statement on the club's website.

"Alphonso is a bright young player who has earned this opportunity," said Robinson. "He still has a lot of hard work ahead of him, but at this point in time we felt this was the best move for his development and for the club.

"This is another great example of our player pathway, and we hope he will be the first of many WFC2 players to make the next step."

Already the youngest player to make an appearance for the first team after cutting his teeth during last month's Amway Canadian Championship, Davies will now take the next step.

"This is a dream come true," said Davies. "I've grown so much since joining the Residency program last year, and have continued to learn from the first-team players and coaching staff.

"Coming to Vancouver was the best decision of my life. I'm so thankful to the club for having faith in me and I can't wait to get started in MLS."

Davies will be eligible for Vancouver's tilt with Orlando City SC on Saturday.