Two members of Atlético Ottawa's development program are moving up to the A squad.
Both products of the West Ottawa Soccer Club, defender Gabriel Carvalho and midfielder Omar Darwis have signed Canadian Premier League (CPL) development contracts for the remainder of the 2022 season.
"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," said Fernando López, chief executive officer (CEO) of Atlético Ottawa. "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. 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."
🚨 Welcome to the Atleti family Gabriel & Omar!
— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) August 31, 2022
✍️ We've signed both Gabriel and Omar to development contracts for the remainder of the season!
📝 | https://t.co/pM4CCaYpD3#ForOttawa | #PourOttawa
CPL development contracts provide amateur Under 18 (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.
Both Carvalho and Darwis were identified in through the Atlético de Madrid development program. The program trains some of Ottawa-Gatineau's top up-and-coming Under 23 (U23) talents weekly in the same professional environment as Atlético Ottawa players.
