It’s another feather in the cap of TRU WolfPack midfielder Akwasi Agyekum, as he’s signed the first ever CPL-U SPORTS Development Contract in university history.

Agyekum has signed with Atlético Ottawa, the team that drafted him in the first round of the CPL draft last December, one month after he helped TRU win the U-SPORTS national title at Hillside Stadium.

“My experience has helped develop me into a more mature player and has given me tools to my arsenal which I can hopefully use to my advantage,” Agyekum said, in a WolfPack news release.

“I work extremely hard off the ball and am not afraid to put in a tackle. On the ball, I like to try and drive forward on the dribble or connect and combine with my teammates.”

Agyekum was named the tournament MVP at the U SPORTS tournament before impressed during their Atlético Ottawa’s pre-season schedule. He was also recently named TRU’s Male Athlete of the Year at the annual WolfPack awards night.

“I think it’s a culmination of all the hard work that he’s put in, he’s a kid that eats, sleeps, and lives football,” WolfPack head coach John Antulov said. “To put all that time in and now reap the rewards with his first professional contract says a lot about him and I’m so happy for him.”

The 20-year-old has competitive football experience with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy as well as with Rivers FC in League 1BC last season.

“We are very happy to have Junior in the squad, a player that has really good defensive capacities,” said Carlos González, Atlético Ottawa’s Head Coach. “At the same time, he has room for improvement but is going to be able to help us in the next period, gives us more depth in the squad and more options for the U21 minutes.”

“We are well aware of the season he has had. He’s an important piece for his coach and an MVP who shows in every game that he has a competitive and a winning mentality which is what we look for in our squad and to improve our team.”

Agyekum joins both Jackson Gardner and Daniel Sagno as members of the WolfPack that have signed professional contracts since their national championship campaign.

“It’s massive for us as a program to have a player sign that first CPL – U SPORTS contract,” Antulov added.

“To add on what Daniel and Jackson have done in Australia is great as well. This shows these professional clubs that we have players that can play at this level and it shines a spotlight on our guys to give them an opportunity to showcase themselves.”

We are excited to announce the signing of Canadian midfielder Junior Agyekum on a U-SPORTS Development Contract ✍️🔴⚪️

Welcome Junior 💪

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— Atlético Ottawa (@atletiOttawa) April 14, 2023