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Add another regional partner to the fold.
Toronto FC and Ottawa-Cumberland Soccer announced a partnership on Monday that will expand the TFC Academy’s branches into the capital area.
As a regional satellite club, Ottawa, who will rebrand as Ottawa TFC, will receive support in both player and coach development from the MLS club, as well as providing talent a direct route to the Professional Player Pathway in place at the TFC Academy.
Ottawa joins Windsor TFC and London TFC as youth affiliate clubs.
TFC President Bill Manning, TFC Academy Director Anthony Capotosto, Ottawa TFC President Terry Vida, and TFC midfielder Aidan Daniels were all on hand and spoke about what the affiliation means.
“As we continue to grow as a club, our best results will come internally from Canadian players,” said Manning. “We’re doubling down on our efforts with our academy.”
Out here in Ottawa for the official launch of Ottawa TFC
— Toronto FC Academy (@tfcacademy) February 25, 2019
President Bill Manning with his opening remarks. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/FgoPyBsAU9
“We want to visible, present, and collaborating here in the community with Ottawa,” stressed Capotosto, who ran a training session earlier in the day alongside academy coach Jon Mondino for some 15 Ottawa TFC coaches. “To show the methodology that we’re using at the TFC Academy.”
Next up to speak is Academy Dir. Anthony Capotosto. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/Tzlgsyzdla
— Toronto FC Academy (@tfcacademy) February 26, 2019
“To build excellence amongst our players, coaches,” explained Vida. “To be leaders in our community. And to be the best soccer club, not in Ottawa, not in Ontario, but in Canada.”
Ottawa TFC president Terry Vida with some words. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/aZNTQbzhs6
— Toronto FC Academy (@tfcacademy) February 26, 2019
“Joining the academy, the biggest change was the professionalism,” explained Daniels. “From the President down to the medical and kitchen staff. At a young age I learned how to work hard, [on and] off the field – in school, at home, doing chores.”
Academy grad @aidsinho in attendance to help kick things off. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/luzWih4Yh0
— Toronto FC Academy (@tfcacademy) February 26, 2019
Waking the Red will look into the details of what these partnerships mean and how they are playing out in the coming days and weeks.
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