Atlético Ottawa announced on Wednesday they had signed two local players to Canadian Premier League Development Contracts for the remainder of the season. 

Both products of the West Ottawa Soccer Club, midfielder Omar Darwish (2005) and defender Gabriel Carvalho (2006) formerly Ottawa South United, and have been identified through the Atlético de Madrid Development Program. The program trains some of Ottawa-Gatineau’s top up-and-coming U23 talents weekly in the same professional environment that benefits Atlético Ottawa’s current run for the playoffs.

“We are excited to see our first graduates of the Development Program join the A squad as we continue to battle for the top of the standings. Gabriel and Omar have shown our technical staff that they can make the jump, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow as players with this new opportunity,” said Fernando López, CEO of Atlético Ottawa. “It is gratifying to see the Program already starting to bear fruit, and that this relationship with our local clubs is having a positive impact on the soccer development pathway in the region.” 

Canadian Premier League Development Contracts provide amateur U18 players the opportunity to be included in a professional club’s roster without losing the ability to train and play with their community club. 

The Atlético de Madrid – Ottawa Development Program works closely with community clubs in the development, monitoring, and nurturing of invited players by creating opportunities to train using the principle and methodology of the storied Atlético de Madrid club. For more information on the Program, visit THIS LINK. For player inquiries, email john.ulanowski@atleticoottawa.club

Atlético Ottawa continue their quest for a playoff spot this Friday, September 2 when they host FC Edmonton at TD Place (KO 7PM ET) in what is one of only two home matches left in the regular season. For details on the 80’s Night Match and to purchase tickets, visit THIS LINK or click image below…