Supplied photo\nTyler Attardo, an East St. Paul resident and a Grade 12 student at River East Collegiate, is excited about the opportunity to play professional soccer for Valour FC.<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n“It’s amazing,” Attardo said. “Before, so many players like myself would have to look so far to follow our dream. But now, to be able to do it in our hometown, it’s amazing.”<\/p>\n
Although he is still completing high school, Attardo, who grew up playing for Winnipeg Phoenix FC and FC Northwest, has already competed provincially for Manitoba, on both provincial and club teams, has attended the residency program at Chievo Verona in Italy in 2016 and 2017-18, and has spent time training in Chile and the UK.<\/p>\n
“It started when I was four,” Attardo said. “When I was younger, I just loved going to soccer. As I got older, I wanted this, it was a dream for me, not just something I wanted to do for fun. I stayed focused, worked hard, I knew I wanted it.”<\/p>\n
A striker, Attardo was signed by Valour FC after taking part in open trials in October 2018.<\/p>\n
“I went in there and played the best I could to show these coaches why I deserve a spot,” he said. “I took my shot, and I’m fortunate they saw something in me.”<\/p>\n
Attardo identified his speed and physicality as strengths on the field.<\/p>\n
“I’m always looking for the ball on the run, but now and then I’ll come up and receive it on my feet,” he said.<\/p>\n
While Attardo was familiar with some of Valour’s roster, like fellow Winnipegger Dylan Carreiro, he’s looking forward to meeting and getting to know more of his teammates.<\/p>\n
“I’ve gotten to meet some of the guys now,” he said. “They’re all great guys, and very talented, and super excited to be working with them.”<\/p>\n
In training camp, Attardo said he will be working to improve his overall game, to bring it up to speed to the professional level.<\/p>\n
“The speed of play is just insane, at the pro level,” he said. “I’m excited to get working. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”<\/p>\n
The 2019 CPL regular season begins May 1, with a game between Pacific and Valour at Westhill Stadium on Vancouver Island. Valour’s first home game is May 4 at Investors Group Field, versus FC Edmonton.<\/p>
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