Atlético Ottawa today announced the club has signed local product Tyr Walker to his first professional contract, a two-year deal that will keep the 20-year-old defender from Russell, Ont. with the club through the 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season.
A graduate of Ottawa St. Anthony Futuro Soccer Club’s academy, one of 14 Powered by Atlético Ottawa clubs in the area, Walker was identified by Atleti after impressing as part of the Atlético de Madrid Development program in 2022, a program implemented by the club that aims to develop, monitor and nurture local players in the hopes of potentially moving them on to the first team in Canada or elsewhere in Atlético de Madrid’s network worldwide. As part of the development program, a select group of under-23 men’s players from the region form a team that participates in weekly training sessions in the same professional environment as Atlético Ottawa, at TD Place Stadium.
Walker earned an invitation to Atleti’s pre-season camp in Madrid, Spain ahead of the 2023 campaign, where he featured three times, including one start, and scored against UD San Sebastián de los Reyes. He went on to sign a U SPORTS contract with Ottawa in April 2023 and remained with the club through the end of the 2023 regular season.
“Tyr is a special talent and we are proud to sign him to his first professional contract,” said Fernando Lopez, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. “It has been a pleasure to watch him develop from a youth player at a Powered By club, to a part of the Atlético de Madrid Development program, to a U SPORTS player and now, officially, a pro. Tyr’s evolution is exactly why we have built this player development pathway in Ottawa, and we are excited to watch him inspire other local talent over the next two seasons and beyond.”
Walker logged 242 minutes over five appearances in the Canadian Premier League in 2023.
“We’ve seen a lot of improvement in Tyr since he was first identified as a prospect,” said Carlos Gonzalez, Head Coach, Atlético Ottawa. “He has earned this opportunity through consistent hard work and a humble attitude. I expect more success for him as he continues to apply those principles to his game.”
Walker becomes the second player this off-season to extend his stay in Ottawa by two years, after the club announced on Friday that it has re-signed goalkeeper Nate Ingham through 2025.
”I’m very excited to sign for my hometown club. The whole process has been very new to me, so having my parents and agent’s support has been a big help.” said Tyr Walker. He added: “Can’t wait to see you guys at TD Place. Come in big numbers and Vamos Atleti!”
Season Seat Memberships for the 2024 Canadian Premier League season at TD Place are on sale now, offering Atlético Ottawa fans the best value for their money, a place in the Atleti Family as well as fantastic perks and exclusives to be discovered throughout the season. Details can be found HERE.
Atlético Ottawa 2024 Roster as of Nov. 24, 2023:
Goalkeepers: Nathan Ingham
Defenders: Karl Ouimette, Tyr Walker
Midfielders: Gabriel Antinoro, Ollie Bassett, Aboubakary Sacko, Noah Verhoeven,
Alberto Zapater
Forwards: Ruben del Campo, Gianni dos Santos, Samuel Salter
