Cavalry FC is hoping youth serves them well.
Especially a youngster from their own backyard.
Born in 2001, Calgary’s soccer entry in the Canadian Premier League has
made its youngest signing in Victor Loturi, a 17-year-old native of the city.
Loturi grew up playing youth soccer with the Calgary Northside Soccer Club
from age 8 through 17.
“I signed with Cavalry FC because (GM/head coach) Tommy (Wheeldon Jr.)
believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play professional soccer in
my home town,” Loturi said. “I’ve always wanted to play professional soccer,
and now that it’s happened, I have to keep working and keep myself
accountable.”
Loturi has represented Alberta Soccer at numerous age groups through his
rise to soccer glory, including in the 2017 Canada Summer Games.
Prior to being offered a contract with Cavalry FC, Victor spent the past
winter season in the Calgary Foothills FC Generation Program where he was
coached by his now-teammate Jay Wheeldon.
Cavalry FC is thrilled to capture the signature of young Loturi, who becomes
one of the club’s players to meet the under-21 domestic player requirements
of the league. Under the CPL operating rules, each team can sport a maximum
of 23 players on the roster, three of which must be under 21 years of age
(born Jan. 1, 1998, or younger).The significance of this league rule is to
continue to develop young Canadians, and the U21s are required to play a
minimum of 1,000 combined minutes in regular league play.
“Victor validates why we needed the Canadian Premier League,” said
Wheeldon Jr. “He’s a quality young player that we have a very high opinion
on and deserves a professional opportunity.
“Fortunately for Victor, this opportunity happens to be for his hometown
team, where he can play in front of his family and friends,” Wheeldon Jr.
continued. “He will be the youngest player on our roster at 17 years of age,
but he plays the game with such maturity and finesse that is far beyond his
years. Victor is certainly one to keep an eye out for.”
Cavalry FC continues its training camp with an intrasquad game this
Saturday in preparation for the organization’s first-ever CPL match
Saturday, May 4, against visiting York9 FC at Spruce Meadows (1:30 p.m.).