Promising Canterbury United youth team player Louis Evans has received an early Christmas present in the form of a transfer to ASB Premiership side Wellington Phoenix.

The 17 year old midfielder and son of former All White Ceri Evans transfers from Canterbury United with immediate effect to join New Zealand’s only professional club.

Evans was part of this season’s Haier Canterbury United High Performance Academy before re-joining the Canterbury United Youth side in September after club football was finished.

Canterbury United Chairman Roger Georgieff praised the selection of Evans. “As a Board we are delighted for Louis. We are extremely proud that a young player from this region is making this next step.”

He adds “This is a great opportunity for him and we hope he sees regular ASB Premiership game time as well as taking his own game to a new level. He’s an extremely promising player.”

Canterbury United play the Phoenix Premier side at ASB Football Park on 20 December.