Derek Gaudet (Bayside, NS) is determined to take his chance, after being handed a developmental contract with Toronto FC. The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has represented Canada at under-17 and under-20 levels and impressed during a trial at BMO Field early this month.

"It's great to be here at such a professional club," said Gaudet. "It's a very good place to be and I'm excited. It was a lot of pressure having to prove myself, but I love the game and I just tried to relax and settle down a bit and get some good touches on the ball. All of the experienced pros here are great and they have been giving me pointers on my game. I want to keep working hard and keep improving."

Toronto FC Academy Head Coach Nick Dasovic has worked with Gaudet before at international level. "Derek's been part of the Canadian National set up for 3 or 4 years now," said Dasovic. "I had a few camps with him when I was working on the Under 20s with Dale Mitchell. He was a little bit young when he was at the camps, but he had a lot of technical ability and qualities that we saw."

"He comes very highly recommended by CSA Technical Director Stephen Hart. He was also at Malmo in Sweden and was offered a contract there, but because of a limited number of foreigner spots on the team, it didn't work out there."

"When I heard that Derek was available we made a few phone calls and got him in here, and he has impressed," said Dasovic. "He's a midfield player who is very technical, good on the ball and he's a great kid because he wants to learn and keep getting better. I think it's great for us as a Canadian club to be bringing in younger Canadian players and showing them that if they produce the goods, they can make it all the way to the first team."

Courtesy toronto.fc.mlsnet.com