At just 16, Veniamin Chernyshev has already faced more challenges than most players encounter in a lifetime – fleeing war-torn Ukraine with his family, uprooting his life, and now signing his first professional contract with Pacific FC.
On Wednesday, the Tridents signed the Ukrainian striker to a Canadian Premier League (CPL) development contract.
@Pacificfccpl signed 16-year-old Ukrainian Veniamin Chernyshev to a @CPLsoccer development contract on Wednesday.
— Victoria News (@VictoriaNews) May 30, 2025
The striker from Kramatorsk is eligible for selection in the Tridents’ next home match on June 7.
Full story to come. pic.twitter.com/rkUjay7BF4
Known as Venny, he was born in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, and in 2022, his family of nine left the country amid the ongoing conflict that has reshaped the country.
After relocating to Kelowna, they eventually settled on Vancouver Island, where Chernyshev's soccer talents caught the eye of Pacific FC’s director of football, Jamar Dixon.
“I saw Venny play and I knew he was something special,” Dixon said. “There are no limits to his potential.”
The six-foot-tall striker is currently in the process of becoming a Canadian permanent resident, and has been granted a special dispensation from the CPL to sign a development contract, which is typically reserved for domestic players.
This contract will allow Chernyshev to make up to four appearances with Pacific FC this season, while retaining his amateur status and continuing to play with his local club, the Vancouver Island Wave.
While he played for the Wave, they captured the BC Soccer Premier League (BCSPL) U17 regular season title back on May 10, a title in which Chernyshev played a large role in.
Reflecting on the signing, Chernyshev’s reaction was a mix of surprise and joy.
“I was surprised, to be honest. A year ago, I was watching Pacific play here at Starlight Stadium, dreaming of playing on this team,” the striker said. “So when this happened, I was really happy and proud to be part of it.”
Venny’s journey from Ukraine to a professional soccer contract in Canada has been anything but typical.
“It was a simple life growing up in Ukraine,” Chernyshev said. “I was in a small city in Donbas, Kramatorsk. My family is calm and easygoing, and they’ve always supported my soccer love since I was three.”
His family includes seven children and Venny is the third eldest, with three younger brothers and a sister. Although he is the only one pursuing soccer seriously, the support of his family has been unwavering.
Life in Canada has brought safety and opportunity after the upheaval of war.
“It’s much better,” the 16-year-old said. “In Canada, there’s lots of potential for me and my family. It’s been amazing. It’s much easier here without the war. I’m really happy to be here, and having my family safe is an incredible feeling.”
Chernyshev’s rise in Canadian soccer began in the Thompson Okanagan Youth Soccer League with a Kelowna-based team before moving to Vancouver Island to join Pacific FC’s Wave Development Program.
Currently finishing grade 11 online to accommodate his growing soccer commitments, Chernyshev remains focused on the future – both with Pacific and beyond.
“I’m planning to play for Pacific for a couple of years, then see what comes next,” Chernyshev said. “Long term, I want to play in the Premier League – Arsenal or Manchester City. Here, I want to win the Canadian Premier League.”
He described his playing style as passionate and driven by a fierce desire to win.
“I hate losing,” Venny said. “On the pitch, I do everything to win – whether it’s scoring a goal or making an assist. I give everything for my team.”
Pacific FC will be hoping that mentality pays off. The Tridents have scored just seven goals in seven games and currently sit fifth in the CPL table.
They hit the road Sunday, June 1 for their next match, against Winnipeg's Valour FC as they aim to rebound following back-to-back defeats.
But, Chernyshev's first chance to suit up for the Tridents could come Saturday, June 7 at Starlight Stadium, when they host Atletico Ottawa in their next home match.
