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PLAYER PATHWAY & ALUMNI

Ottawa Homegrown, Built for the World Stage

Part of our mission is to create meaningful pathways for dedicated athletes that extend far beyond their youth soccer years.

At the core of this pathway is the opportunity to compete at the professional level in our home city, representing Ottawa through our partnership with Atlético Ottawa, a significant and powerful step for players aspiring to the professional game.

From there, the pathway expands globally through the Atlético de Madrid family, connecting local talent to the highest levels of the sport and the dream of competing on the world stage, including in Europe. This global model is further strengthened through our Latin American connection with Atlético San Luis in Mexico, reinforcing a truly international development network.

This pathway supports both boys and girls, with a strong history of high performance women progressing to elite post-secondary programs across the United States, alongside key alumni competing professionally with the Ottawa Rapid.

At every stage, our focus remains on development, exposure, and creating opportunities for players to achieve their highest potential.

ALUMNI RING OF HONOUR

VANESSA GILLES

Olympic gold-medallist with Canada WNT and FC Bayern Munich defender, University of Cincinnati (NCAA D1) alum, 2x Canada Soccer Player of the Year

More on Vanessa

Vanessa began her competitive soccer journey very late, starting with AOJ's predecessor Capital United at the age of 16. At Cap U, Vanessa quickly became a standout leader and represented Team Ontario at the 2013 Canada Summer Games.

After just two years, her rapid development and emergence as an exceptional defender earned her a full scholarship to the University of Cincinnati. There, Vanessa started every game over her fours years. She was named to the AAC All-Rookie team as a freshman, and by her senior year, she had earned AAC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Conference honors.

In 2017, Vanessa turned pro, joining Apollon FC in Cyprus before moving to Bordeaux in France. After a season with Angel City FC in the NWSL, she returned to France with Lyon, where she won the domestic treble in 2023 and reached the Champions League final in 2024. In 2025, she signed a 3-year deal with German giants FC Bayern Munich.

Internationally, Vanessa initially represented France at the U23 level, but thankfully made her senior debut for Canada in 2019. She has since played in 3 editions of the SheBelieves Cup, and was a key player in Canada's gold-medal run at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She also featured in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, reached the semi finals of the inaugural CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup and helped secure a spot for the Paris 2024 games in which she started again for the national team and scored two crucial goals.

Cementing her place as one of the very best in the women's game, Vanessa won the Canada Soccer Player of the Year award in both 2024 and 2025.

THELONIUS BAIR

Lausanne (Swiss Super League) and Canada Men's National Team forward

More on Theo

Theo joined Atlético Ottawa Juniors predecessor Capital United FC prior to U13. With the club, he led the U13 Eastern Ontario Regional league in scoring to help secure promotion into the Provincial OYSL. He spent the following year representing Cap U provincially in the OYSL before moving to West Ottawa SC at U15 to continue his growth in the division.

Shortly thereafter, Theo was signed by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy. In 2018, Theo signed a senior professional contract with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and represented Canada at the U21 level at the 2018 Toulon Tournament. He then played for the Canadian U20 team at the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. In 2019, Theo’s first Whitecaps goal was a nominee for MLS Goal of the Year. The following year, Theo earned his first call-up to the Canada senior Men's National Team, where he scored on his debut against Barbados.

Theo was loaned to Norwegian club HamKam in 2021 and was then transferred to Scottish Premiership club St Johnstone. In August 2023, Theo was signed by Motherwell FC, where he led the team in scoring for the 2023-24 season. Following his successful campaign, Theo was named to Canada's squad for the 2024 Copa América. After the tournament, newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Auxerre announced the signing of Theo to a four-year deal in the summer of 2024, bringing his talents to France's top flight. In 2025, Theo was loaned to Swiss First division side Lausanne.

MIKAËL CANTAVE

Haiti MNT and professional midfielder, former Getafe and Nantes Academy player

More on Miki

Mikaël "Miki" Cantave began  with AOJ's predecessor, Capital United, where he showcased his raw talent and flair until the age of 14. In 2010, through Capital United’s affiliation with FC Nantes, Miki earned the opportunity to train and play at the prestigious French club's youth academy—a result of his standout performance at the renowned Mondial Pupilles Tournament in 2009. This experience laid the foundation for his future success.

Miki's international career took off when he represented Canada at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, demonstrating his potential on the global stage. Later, he made a significant impact with Haiti’s national team, helping them qualify for the semifinals of the 2019 Gold Cup, an achievement that brought him further recognition.

Professionally, Miki's journey has taken him across Europe, playing in Spain and a brief stint in Romania’s First Division. In 2022, he returned to Canada, signing with the Canadian Premier League's Cavalry FC, and later Vancouver FC.With Haiti, he has been most recently called-up to represent the nation in the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League group stage in 2024, further cementing his place as an international-calibre player.

BROGAN ENGBERS

Former Canada YNT, TFC II and Atlético Ottawa GK, Liberty University (NCAA D1) & Toronto FC Academy alum, MLS Academy All-Star

More on Brogan

Brogan played with Atlético Ottawa Juniors predecessor Cumberland United from the age of 4 until 13. At 12 years old, Brogan was selected to represent Canada at the Danone Nations Cup in Madrid.

In 2012, he joined the Toronto FC Academy, where he spent the next six years - moving to Toronto permanently in 2014 and being selected as an MLS Academy All-Star. Additionally, he represented TFC at the Generation Adidas Cup in 2015 and 2016. Brogan was also a member of the Canada National Team EXCEL program from U15 to U17, playing alongside the likes of Jonathan David and Alphonso Davies. In 2015, he was selected to the Canadian CONCACAF U17 Championship qualifying team.

Following his time in the TFC Academy, Brogan played at Liberty University from 2017 to 2020, competing in NCAA Division 1. In 2021, Brogan signed a professional contract with TFC II, where he frequently trained with the First Team. In 2023, Brogan signed a short-term deal with Atlético Ottawa. Returning to our club in 2022, Brogan now serves as the club's High Performance Director and is a key cog in the Atlético Ottawa Juniors machine.

FLORENCE BELZILE

Ottawa Rapid FC midfielder, Canada U17 NT, National Development Centre, Ontario XCEL Program, University of Nebraska (NCAA D1) alum

More on Flo

Florence began playing for Atlético Ottawa Juniors predecessor Cumberland United at 13 years old, where she starred as a key player in her team for a handful of years. In 2019, the was selected to the Ontario REX program (which serves as a direct pipeline to the Canadian Youth National team program). Later that same year, she made her U17 National Team debut.

After her youth career, Florence committed to the University of Nebraska. With the Cornhuskers, Florence appeared 73 times, notching 8 goals and 28 assists across 4 years. She also qualified for the Honour Roll in all 4 years, and was named to the Academic All-Big Ten three times.

In early 2025, Flo signed a professional contact with local Northern Super League team Ottawa Rapid FC, where she tallied 2 goals and 2 assists across 847 minutes.

ELIJAH ROCHE

Toronto FC Academy & Canada U17 NT defender, MLS NEXT all-star

More on Elijah

Elijah's soccer journey began with Cumberland United, now Atlético Ottawa Juniors, where he progressed from the club's Grassroots programs through the Academy levels. Elijah spent his early teen years in the club's High Performance Academy, competing in OPDL and honing his skills against the region's top talent. At only 15, he proved to be a huge part of the U17 Boys squad's successful season, and his time in the program led to a number of scouting and playing opportunities with Team Ontario. The same summer, he took a major step forward and signed with Toronto FC Academy.

Since joining TFC Academy in 2023, Elijah has become a standout player, earning regular starts and competing against older age groups. His talent and hard work have led him to represent Toronto FC across multiple levels, including U15, U17, U19, and TFC II. Elijah has also showcased his abilities in North America's very best youth competitions such as MLS Next Flex, Generation Adidas, and MLS Next Cup. Notably, he was selected for the MLS Next All-Star game in his first year, further highlighting his potential.

In 2025, Elijah represented Canada at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, starting every match at the tournament. He also netted a late equalizer in Canada's first match against Uganda. With countless eyes on him, there is certainly more to come!

MAXIME FILION

Forge FC forward and Université de Montréal alum

More on Max

Max joined AOJ predecessor Cumberland United at 12 years old, becoming a steady presence in the club's high performance academy for the subsequent five years.

Following his youth career, Max joined the Université de Montréal Carabins, where he impressed across 4 years, winning the U Sports National Championship in his first year. In 2024, he was named an RSEQ First-Team All Star, and in 2025, he was named to the All-Star team at the Canadian U Sports Championship.

In late 2024, Max was drafted by CPL titans Forge FC in the CPL-U Sports Draft. He was drafted in the second round (15th overall). In his debut season with Forge, he appeared in 15 matches, notching 3 goals.

MIRANDA SMITH

Professional midfielder, National Development Centre, Ontario Provincial Program, uOttawa and U of Memphis (NCAA D1) alum

More on Miranda

Miranda spent the majority of her youth playing at both Atlético Ottawa Juniors predecessors (Cumberland United and Capital United). In her teen years, Miranda was a part of the Ontario Soccer Provincial program, as well the Canada National Training Centre (now called NDC Ontario). At this time she also helped lead an undefeated Capital United team to the U17 Girls OYSL Provincial Title. After high school, Miranda left to play with the University of Memphis in the NCAA Division 1.

Following 3 years at Memphis, Miranda returned home to play with the University of Ottawa. With the Gee-Gees, Miranda played two seasons, in which she was named an OUA East First Team All-Star in both campaigns. In her last year, Miranda captained uOttawa to a U SPORTS National Championship, where she was named the Tournament MVP, and scored a 29-yard winning goal in the final. Following the National Championship, Miranda represented uOttawa at the FISU University World Cup, where she lead the school to a Gold medal while representing Canada.

Since completing her studies, Miranda has had stints playing professionally in Europe, plying her trade in the Finnish, Icelandic, and French first divisions. She most recently spent the 2025 season playing with Ottawa Rapid FC in the inaugural Northern Super League season, proudly representing her hometown.

NICOLAS FLEURIAU CHATEAU

Vancouver Whitecaps forward and St. John's University (NCAA D1) alum

More on Nick

Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, known as Nick F-C, started playing at Capital United (now Atlético Ottawa Juniors) and developed into a dynamic striker by the age of 14. His skills helped him advance to the OPDL level with WOSC through the existing partnership with the club at the time, ultimately earning a full scholarship to St. John's University in 2020.

In 2023, Nick had a standout collegiate season, earning All-Big East First Team, All-East Region Second Team, and Second Team Academic All-American honors. He finished the campaign with 14 goals in the process.

Selected in the third round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by the Vancouver Whitecaps, Nick signed with Whitecaps FC 2 in MLS Next Pro. During his first season with the MLS club, he earned three short-term loans with the first team, making his full MLS debut in July against CF Montréal.

SAMUEL CHARRON

Canada Paralympic MNT captain and St. Francis Xavier University alum

More on Sam

Sam began playing for Atlético Ottawa Juniors predecessor Cumberland United at 14 years old. After his youth career in Ottawa, Sam represented St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia for 3 years.

After graduation, Sam returned to Ottawa and captained our club's Men's First Team for a few years, before leaving in 2023 to pursue a playing opportunity with Westside Strikers FC in Australia.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, Sam has been a member of the Canada Para Soccer Program since he was 14, where he is currently the Captain and the program's all-time top scorer. He was awarded the IFCPF World Cup Player of the Tournament in 2019, and has been name Canadian Para Soccer Player of the Year on 4 separate occasions (2016, 2019, 2022, 2023).

JORDAN LUNDIN

Radford University (NCAA D1) alum and named to Big South All-Decade Team

More on Jordan

Jordan began playing soccer with Cumberland United, now Atlético Ottawa Juniors, at the age of 4. She progressed through the club’s grassroots programs to the academy level. At 12, she was selected for the Region 5 provincial program for Ottawa as an underage player. As a teen, Jordan played for Team Ontario at the provincial level and competed with Capital United’s OYSL teams for 1995 and 1996-born players.

During her time in the provincial program, Jordan made multiple appearances in major tournaments, including the Provincial All-Star Tournament. In 2013, she was selected for Team Ontario’s Canada Games roster, earning a bronze medal and a spot on the Canada Games All-Star Team.

In 2014, Jordan moved to the U.S. to play NCAA Division I soccer at Radford University, in Virginia. Over her four years, she was a standout player, serving as captain for three seasons and earning numerous accolades, including 4x First Team All-Big South, Second Team All-American honors, and a spot on the Big South All-Decade Team. In 2016, she was invited to a National Team Training camp, and in 2018, she helped lead Radford to a Big South Championship.

Since returning home in 2019, Jordan has found a new passion in coaching. She currently leads multiple girls programs at AOJ, helping develop the next generation of players who aspire to reach her level.

GABRIEL TARDIF

Atlético Ottawa draftee and Brock University midfielder

More on Tardif

Tardif's soccer journey began with Cumberland United, now Atlético Ottawa Juniors, where he progressed from the club's Grassroots programs through the Academy program. Tardif spent his teen years in the club's High Performance Academy, competing in the OPDL. Recognized by all for his work ethic and discipline, Tardif was a critical piece in the 2023 U17 boys squad's successful season.

Pursuing the Canadian collegiate pathway, Tardif committed to the Brock University Badgers. An instant game changer for the Badgers, Tardif  appeared in every OUA match across his first two years, providing 11 goal contributions in the process. In 2025, he was named as an OUA Second-Team All-Star.

In late 2025, Gabe was selected by his hometown club Atlético Ottawa in the first round (9th overall) in the CPL draft, becoming Brock University's first ever CPL Draftee. We are excited to see what the future holds!

PRO PATHWAY GRADUATES

CHRISTINE EIBLMEIER

Eintracht Frankfurt & Bayern Munich academies, University of Nebraska and Virginia Tech

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BELZILE

CF Montreal Academy, MLS Next U15 Best XI, Canada U15 NT

MOHAMED DIABY

Toronto FC Academy

IZAIYAH ONOMO

CF Montreal Academy

YANN FILLION

Richmond Kickers goalkeeper, Montreal Impact Academy alum

HAYDEN SIMMONDS-O'GRADY

Canada U17 NT, Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, Algonquin College

CHAD BUSH

Canada U17 NT, TFC Academy, Ottawa Fury, Duke University & UBC

NICOLAS GAGAN

Halifax Wanderers, Université Laval and Carleton University

JADON VILFORT

Ottawa Fury, York University and Ontario Tech

HANSLY FELIX-MALONGA

Ottawa Fury, D.C. United Academy

RACHELLE BEANLANDS

Canada WNT, Laval Comets, University of Maryland

AIDEN ALYWARD

Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, Canada U15 NT, Loyola University Chicago

VARDY ST-FLEUR

Toronto FC Academy, University of PEI

ERIC VIDA NORMANDEAU

Dynamo České Budějovice Academy, University of Alberta, Wright State University, Ontario XCEL Program

ALEX VIDA NORMANDEAU

Dynamo České Budějovice Academy, Atlético Ottawa, Wright State University

PAULO SPADACCINI

Dynamo České Budějovice Academy, Ontario Tech University, Carleton University

NATIONAL PATHWAY GRADUATES

TEEGAN MELENHORST

National Development Centre, Canada U17 NT, Ontario XCEL Program, University of Miami

SHERIDAN MICHEL

National Development Centre, Canada U17 NT, Ontario XCEL Program, University of Oklahoma, University of Tennessee

HAISHA CANTAVE

Canada U17 NT, Darton College

MAYA GALKO

National Development Centre, Ontario XCEL Program, University at Buffalo

JENÉA KNIGHT

Guyana WNT, Charleston Southern University

UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE ALUMNI

2009-BORN ALUMNI

  • Brooklyn Maheu, University of Idaho

2008-BORN ALUMNI

  • Clara Boutin, McMaster University
  • Jana Doja, University of Guelph
  • Lauren Yeomans, Saint Mary's University
  • Norah Mentlak, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Tegan Richardson, Nipissing University
  • Tylie Theriault, Nipissing University

2007-BORN ALUMNI

  • Camille Bolduc, University of Ottawa
  • Émilie Holt, Carleton University
  • Louka Njima-Béchard, Algonquin College
  • Mackenzie Lalonde, Thompson Rivers University
  • Mia Cleroux, Kent State University
  • Nathan Aquilina, University of Victoria
  • Rachel Gopalakrishnan, Charleston Southern University
  • Rowyn Serne, Charleston Southern University
  • Teegan Melenhorst, University of Miami

2006-BORN ALUMNI

  • Amélie Boyle, Charleston Southern University
  • Ava Singh, Concordia University
  • Bwidju Mutongolo, Mount Royal University
  • Carys Irvine, Concordia University
  • Christine Eiblmeier, University of Nebraska and Virginia Tech
  • Dalen Comeau, Algonquin College
  • Danika Birch, Charleston Southern University
  • Gabriel Moore, Trinity Western University
  • Gabriel Tardif, Brock University
  • Mohamed Mansour, McGill University
  • Peyton Wynn, Queen's University

2005-BORN ALUMNI

  • Alex Vida Normandeau, Wright State University
  • Eric Vida Normandeau, University of Alberta and Wright State University
  • Hailey Jones, St Francis Xavier University
  • Mackenzie Curran, Concordia University
  • Maya Galko, University at Buffalo
  • Zoe Lortie, Ontario Tech University

2004-BORN ALUMNI

  • Alexis Virgo, Thompson Rivers University
  • Darren Bouaziz, Carleton University
  • Devon Vermaire, Concordia University
  • Flavie Dubé, Louisiana Tech University and University of Memphis
  • Jessica Boyle, Charleston Southern University
  • Katie Phee, Bishop's University
  • Nicolas Gagan, Université Laval and Carleton University
  • Noah Obedi, University of Guelph
  • Paige Robert, Bishop's University
  • Rachel Vermaire, Concordia University
  • Riley Bonadie, Louisiana Tech University and Acadia University
  • Serhii Khoma, Toronto Metropolitan University

2003-BORN ALUMNI

  • Amélia Thompson, University of Toronto and Western University
  • Arjun Kahlon, Nipissing University
  • Astel Essindi, Nipissing University
  • Cedric Devos, Nipissing University
  • Florence Belzile, University of Nebraska
  • Isaac Ajani, Nipissing University
  • Jenea Knight, Charleston Southern University
  • Juliann Lacasse, University of Ottawa
  • Kylen Grant, Syracuse University
  • Maxime Filion, Université de Montréal
  • Sheridan Michel, University of Oklahoma and University of Tennessee
  • Simon Bisaillon, University of New Brunswick

2002-BORN ALUMNI

  • Ayden Harris, Nipissing University
  • Chanelle Chaput, University of Ottawa
  • Emily Smith, Dalhousie University
  • Goethals Mathieu, Nipissing University
  • Joelle Chackal, McMaster University
  • Katie Brzozowski, University of Ottawa
  • Kylie Laframboise, Carleton University
  • Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau, St. John's University
  • Lauren Curran, Concordia University
  • Véronique Bolduc, University of Ottawa
  • Victoria Miller, Cape Breton University
  • Victoria Ufholz, Western University

2001-BORN ALUMNI

  • Ben-Orel Mugisha, University of New Brunswick and Saint Mary's University
  • Dante Emmanuel, Nipissing University
  • Kasper Lasia, University of PEI
  • Paulo Spadaccini, Ontario Tech University and Carleton University
  • Tyler Jack Daniels, Acadia University

2000-BORN ALUMNI

  • Aiden Tuck, UBC Okanagan
  • Alexandra Price, University of Vermont
  • Jadon Vilfort, York University
  • Nicholas Bisaillon, University of New Brunswick

1999-BORN ALUMNI

  • Brogan Engbers, Liberty University
  • Morgan Lundin, Mount Allison University
  • Nicholas Dussault, St Francis Xavier University
  • Taylor Barkley, Nipissing University

1998-BORN ALUMNI

  • Aiden Alyward, Loyola University Chicago
  • Jennie Wong, Carleton University
  • Jolene Wong, Carleton University and Algonquin College
  • Michelle McVey, University of Ottawa
  • Olivia Campbell, Carleton University
  • Samuel Charron, St Francis Xavier University

1997-BORN ALUMNI

  • Annie Butler, Bishop's University
  • Hayden Simmonds-O'Grady, Algonquin College

1996-BORN ALUMNI

  • Aaron Birch, St. Lawrence College
  • Annick Musambi, Darton State
  • Brittany Clendenan, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Christine Rebus, Iona University
  • Delaney Borsato, Nipissing University
  • Emma Arsenault, Algonquin College
  • Jenna Lu, University of Ottawa
  • Jordan Lundin, Radford University
  • Katherine Koehler-Grassau, Ontario Tech University
  • Katrina Macias, University of King's College
  • Kendra Ridley, University of Maine
  • Melat Cherent, Carleton University
  • Miranda Smith, University of Memphis and University of Ottawa
  • Sabrina Wahab, University of Ottawa
  • Sarah Zutrauen, Carleton University
  • Sydney St. Germain, University of Ottawa
  • Vanessa Gilles, University of Cincinnati
  • Veronica Johnson, University of Miami

1995-BORN ALUMNI

  • Alexa Derksen, Carleton University
  • Anais Robert, McGill University
  • Arielle Kabangu, Saint Leo University
  • Asha Marie Mohidin, Long Island University
  • Claire Gibbons, St. Francis Xavier University
  • Connor O'Neil-Dee, Denison University
  • Emily Copland Dinan, Carleton University
  • Genevieve Gignac, Saint Leo University
  • Kelsey Saha, Carleton University
  • Sheniz Eryuzlu, University of Ottawa
  • Tessa Ritchie, Mount Allison University
  • Vanessa El-Asmar, University of Ottawa
  • Vanessa Germano, Carleton University

1994-BORN ALUMNI

  • Julia Francki, University of Ottawa
  • Chad Bush, Duke University and University of British Columbia
  • Christopher Holford-Walker, Algonquin College
  • Karl Bicamumpaka, McMaster University
  • Maxime El-Asmar, Algonquin College
  • Sheldon O'Grady, Algonquin College
  • Wesley Aucoin, Concordia University
  • Will Kefeero, Dalhousie University

1990-1993-BORN ALUMNI

  • Abdul Ibrahim, Spring Arbour University
  • Adam Majid, Trent University
  • Alex Vieira, Carleton University
  • Bezick Evraire, Dalhousie University
  • Chris Vizena, Mount Allison University
  • Christopher Bascelli, Trent University
  • Kieran Hooey, Dalhousie University
  • Kristy McGregor-Bales, Dalhousie University
  • Maher Husseini, Western University
  • Melissa Bayne, Carleton University
  • Rachelle Beanlands, University of Maryland
  • Theodore Lopez de Castilla, Carleton University
  • Toni El-Asmar, Carleton University and Algonquin College
  • William Hoyle, McGill University

PRE-1990-BORN ALUMNI

  • Courtney Luscombe, University of Ottawa
  • Elyse Desjardins, University of Ottawa
  • Justin Campos, Carleton University
  • Karl Wasslen, Carleton University
  • Stefano Vierra, Carleton University