Ottawa, ON (March 24, 2020) – Today, Atlético Ottawa announced their first international signing with defender Vashon Neufville. The club welcomes the UK left-back who came up through the Chelsea and West Ham United academy system.

The 5-8, native of London, England can be described as a player who can blaze down the flank with speed to lend support to the attack, but also someone who is a sturdy defender. He joined West Ham United at the U14 level from Chelsea, signing his first professional contract at the club in July 2016 at 17-years old and won the U21 Premier League Cup while playing with their youth team. On 4 January 2019, Neufville moved on loan to Newport County where he made his professional debut in January 2019, in an FA Cup Third Round 2–1 win against Leicester City.

“We are delighted to finally announce Vashon as our player,” said Club CEO Fernando Lopez. “He is a very disciplined player with a defensive/offensive profile that will cover long spaces close to the sidelines. He is talented at crossing balls, beating other players 1 vs 1, playing defence and I’m sure it won’t be strange for us seeing him supporting the attack and scoring goals.”

Neufville, 20, who began his career with Chelsea as an U11 in 2012 and represented England internationally at the U16 and U17. Won the U21 Premier League Cup while playing West Ham’s youth team.

“I’m happy to be signing in Ottawa with Atlético Ottawa and am looking forward to playing in Canada,” said Neufville. I can’t wait to get started and let’s have a great first season!”

Neufville is the ninth player to officially join Atlético Ottawa, joining previous signings Ben Fisk, Antoine Coupland, Malyk Hamilton, Ajay Khabra, Michel Djaozardy Ricky Gomes, Kunle Dada-Luke and Brandon John

To learn more about the Canadian Premier League’s 8th Club follow @AtletiOttawa on Facebook and Instagram and @Atleti_Ottawa on Twitter.

-30-

Full Name: Vashon Neufville
Age: 20
Position: Defender
Height: 5’8”
Birth Date: July 18, 1999
Birthplace: London, England
Nationality: English
Last Club: West Ham United F.C.