Fin Tugwell: From North Vancouver to the National Stage with UVic and Pacific FC
For Victoria Vikes defender Fin Tugwell, soccer has always been about connection with teammates, family, and the game itself. From his early days kicking a ball around in North Vancouver to earning a spot in the Canadian Premier League (CPL) with Pacific FC, Tugwell’s journey has been shaped by teamwork, persistence, and humility.
“I’d describe myself as humble and curious,” Tugwell said.
“I like a good challenge.”
Born in Australia, Tugwell moved to Canada at age six. He says, although he played there a bit as a child, his true passion for the sport came from his time at North Vancouver FC.
“I had a great group of players and coaches around me,” he said.
“That’s when I really fell in love with it.”
Even then, it was the collaborative nature of the sport that drew him in.
“If the team’s all working well together, that’s how you win games,” he said.
“It’s not an individual sport. I’ve always loved that team aspect.”
While Tugwell started his youth career as a defensive midfielder, he soon found his calling as a centre back, a role that plays to his instinct for structure and awareness.
“When I switched to centre back, I loved having the whole field in front of me,” he said.
“You’re kind of conducting a ship back there. You’ve got eyes on everything.”
That calm vision and composure helped define his playing style.
“I like to think of myself as a smarter defender,” he explained.
“I try to be one step ahead, intercepting passes, preventing problems before they happen. It’s not always about the big tackles.”
When it came time for university, Tugwell had his eyes set on both academic and athletic goals. He joined the University of Victoria not just for soccer, but for its civil engineering program, which is a demanding combination that he’s learned to embrace.
“The first couple of years were a lot,” he said.
“But I enjoy it. Practices in the evenings are a nice break from the schoolwork. It’s all about managing your time and energy.”
Now in his fifth year at UVic and fourth year of U SPORTS eligibility, Tugwell has grown into one of the program’s leaders both on and off the pitch.
“The biggest thing I tell the younger guys is just to enjoy it,” he said.
“Every season flies by. Even if you’re not starting yet, what you do in training pushes the team forward.”
That team-first mindset paid off in 2024, when Tugwell was named Canada West Defender of the Year. While the recognition was his, he insists the success belonged to the group.
“It was a whole team effort,” he said.
“I got that award, but the guys beside me were working just as hard. We had a lot of clean sheets that season and that was something we all took pride in.”
The following winter brought another milestone: being selected 12th overall in the 2025 CPL Draft by Pacific FC. Tugwell vividly remembers being at the quiet floor of the UVic library when his name was called.
“I was watching the draft in the silent section,” he said, laughing.
“I hadn’t heard anything beforehand, and suddenly my phone buzzed. Then I saw my name pop up. I had to walk outside, it didn’t feel real.”
The draft led to a preseason invite and ultimately a U SPORTS Developmental Contract, giving him a chance to train and play at the professional level. He made four appearances for Pacific late in the season, which was an experience that pushed him out of his comfort zone.
“It was humbling,” Tugwell said.
“At UVic, I’m a regular starter. With Pacific, I had to fight for every minute. It made me realize how hard you have to work to earn your place.”
His debut at an away match against Forge FC brought “the craziest nerves” of his career.
“I knew all week I was starting. I was so nervous but so excited,” he said.
“We lost, but I was proud of how I played. It was exhilarating.”
The biggest takeaway from his time in the CPL wasn’t just tactical, it was professional.
“The training habits and standards were next level,” he said.
“Everyone trains hard every day. That’s something I’ve brought back to UVic, raising the standards even more.”
With Pacific FC retaining his U SPORTS rights for 2026, Tugwell hopes to build on that foundation.
“I definitely want to pursue another season with them,” he said.
“It’s a great environment to grow in.”
Tugwell’s passion for the game runs deep in his family. His brother, Archie, plays alongside him on the Vikes’ back line.
“It’s the best thing,” he said.
“We never got to play together growing up, but now we do. Our parents love it, they can come to one game and watch us both.”
Both brothers are civil engineering students, following in their parents’ athletic footsteps as their mom a former swimmer and ultimate player, their dad a lifelong rugby player.
“We were always playing sports,” Tugwell said.
“At one point, we had to choose between hockey and soccer and we both picked soccer.”
For Tugwell, success isn’t measured in awards or contracts, it’s in the payoff of persistence.
“Success to me is when all the work you put in leads to something,” he said.
“I always wanted to go to university, get a degree, and play soccer. The effort I put in during high school led me here — that’s success.”