By Canadian Press

Veteran midfielder Ben Fisk retires, moves into Vancouver FC’s front office

Jan 16, 2025 | 5:51 PM

VANCOUVER — Veteran Vancouver FC midfielder Ben Fisk has retired after a 14-year career that saw stints in Spain, Ireland and four Canadian Premier League teams.

Fisk, 31, is hanging up his boots to become director of partnerships for Vancouver FC.

“His passion, professionalism, and charismatic personality has left a lasting impression on everyone involved in the club.” Vancouver coach Afshin Ghotbi said in a statement. “As one phase of his remarkable career comes to a close, a new and exciting journey begins. I’m eagerly looking forward to working alongside Ben off the field as we continue to soar to new heights together.”

Fisk made 22 appearances in all competitions for Vancouver last season.

Fisk, who started his soccer career in the Whitecaps system, returned to his hometown in the culmination of a December 2023 transaction that saw Vancouver FC send the 10th overall draft pick in the CPL U Sports draft to Cavalry FC for the 15th overall pick and future considerations.

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Fisk worked his way through half of the CPL’s eight teams, having played for Pacific FC in its inaugural 2019 season before becoming Atletico Ottawa’s first signing and captain in 2020 and joining Calgary’s Cavalry in August 2021. He also played for now-defunct FC Edmonton in the North American Soccer League before it joined the CPL.

After spending time with the Whitecaps under-23 side, Fisk went to Spain in search of a new soccer home — playing for Coruxo FC in the country’s third tier and for Deportivo La Coruña’s B team. He also spent time with the Charleston Battery in the U.S.

Fisk won two caps for Canada in 2017, starting against Bermuda and coming in off the bench against Scotland.

Fisk joined FC Edmonton in 2016, moving to Ireland in 2018 to play for Derry City FC, competing in Europa League qualifying matches and winning the League of Ireland Cup.

He is the latest CPL player to transition to the front office.

After retiring, veteran defender Mason Trafford became Cavalry’s commercial director. Drew Beckie transitioned to Atletico Ottawa’s team manager, Jamar Dixon became Pacific’s manager of football and player development while Daryl Fordyce became Valour FC’s assistant coach and coordinator of youth development.

Fisk currently serves as the first vice-president of PFA Canada, the players’ union for Canadian and Canada-based professionals employed by CPL teams and other Canadian players.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2025

The Canadian Press