Atlético Ottawa has announced the signing of 19-year-old local defender Tyr Walker to a U SPORTS contract for the 2023 season. Walker, a Carleton University student, comes from Russell, ON, and was part of the Ottawa St. Anthony Futuro Soccer Club’s academy before being selected by the Atlético de Madrid Development program in Ottawa last year.
During his trial period, Walker impressed the coaching staff and was invited to train with the team last season. He also had the opportunity to feature in pre-season in Madrid ahead of the 2023 campaign, where he scored a goal against UD San Sebastián de los Reyes.
“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Tyr Walker to our first team,” said Fernando López, CEO of Atlético Ottawa. “This is a proud moment for Atlético Ottawa, for the local soccer community, and the whole Ottawa/Gatineau region. It shows that there is a clear pathway for young players to reach their dreams of playing professional soccer in Canada.”
Walker’s signing is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Powered By Program and local partnered clubs. “He’s shown a lot of maturity and growth over the period of time he’s been with the club, particularly in pre-season in Spain,” said Kwesi Loney, head of the Atlético de Madrid Development Program in Ottawa. “Every day he took the opportunity to learn, develop and push himself, and this contract is a testament to the work that he has put in.”
For Walker, signing with his hometown professional club is a dream come true. “Growing up playing soccer, I always dreamt of playing at a high level, and as a kid from Ottawa, it’s even more special because I get to represent my hometown, and my city and hopefully make my community proud,” he said. “Of course, there’s also a bit of nervousness and pressure that comes with the job, but I’m relishing the challenge.”
Walker will join Atlético Ottawa on a U SPORTS Development Contract, which allows student-athletes with one to four years of U SPORTS eligibility remaining to sign with a CPL club while preserving their eligibility before returning to U SPORTS competition after the season.
