Atlético Ottawa has announced that it will be expanding its “Powered By Atlético Ottawa” Program with Ottawa South United (OSU) in an effort to provide more opportunities for players to transition from the youth club system into professional soccer in the capital region.
The project aims to bridge the gap between local youth clubs and professional soccer, offering a new pathway for players to achieve their dreams without having to leave the region.
Atlético Ottawa product Omar Darwish scores his first @Ligue1QC goal for OSU Atlético against @FCLaval2021 👏🔴⚪️✅‼️#ForOttawa | #PourOttawa pic.twitter.com/bWCDOgXNHS
— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) June 25, 2023
As part of the agreement, OSU’s PLSQ Men’s First Team, Reserves & Women’s First Team will be officially named “OSU Atlético” and will wear Atlético Ottawa’s famous Red & White stripes during the 2023 season. The club will help OSU identify players for the PLSQ squad, giving them the chance to showcase their skills and potentially move on to professional soccer.
🔎 Snaps from OSU Atlético’s 4-1 win over @Ligue1QC opponent @FCLaval2021 👏✅#ForOttawa | #PourOttawa pic.twitter.com/nMNCHto3TT
— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) July 12, 2023
“The expansion of our ‘Powered By Program’ will allow us to keep working at the top of the pyramid and with the best talent looking to break into professional soccer in Canada and beyond,” said Atlético Ottawa CEO, Fernando López. “We’re thrilled to extend this relationship and offer more opportunities to Ottawa’s talented soccer players.”
A brilliant goal by Miranda Smith in OSU Atlético’s win against @Ligue1QC opponent @FCLaval2021 🎯👏✅#ForOttawa | #PourOttawa pic.twitter.com/ezymOSQn0e
— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) July 8, 2023
OSU Club President, Bill Michalopulos, added, “OSU Soccer is pleased to be able to work with Atlético Ottawa & Atlético de Madrid to help bring this exciting partnership to fruition in 2023 to Ottawa’s youth players.”
We are excited to announce we have signed local player Omar Darwish to a Development Contract ✍️🔴⚪️‼️
The Kanata-native graduated from the @Atleti Development Program last year, and has been an key part of the OSU Atlético squad ✅
🔗 Read More: https://t.co/8ZbTDA9Gbt pic.twitter.com/3RY7XKoKjm
— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) June 29, 2023
The Powered By Atlético Ottawa program, created in partnership with Atlético de Madrid and the Canadian Premier League, currently supports 11 local soccer clubs from across the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Atlético Ottawa remains committed to increasing pathways to playing soccer in Canada and looks forward to working with local clubs to cultivate a platform for the next generation of local soccer stars.
For those interested in an opportunity to try out for the OSU Atlético men’s team, please fill out this form: Click Here!