Atlético Ottawa Juniors, formerly Ottawa TFC, have become the first-ever formally affiliated youth club of Atlético Ottawa.

The partnership follows several strong competitive seasons for the youth club, particularly in the Ontario Provincial Development League (OPDL), Ontario’s highest youth competition. In 2025, the club won two OPDL championships — the only club in the province to do so — while other teams recorded top-five finishes.

The reigning Canadian Premier League champions also confirmed that a collaboratively created reserve program is set to be introduced.

Notable alumni include Canadian internationals Vanessa Gilles and Theo Bair, Canadian Paralympic captain Sam Charron, Canadian U-17 international Elijah Roche, and recent Atlético Ottawa draft pick Gabriel Tardif.

Founded in 1991, the club is based in eastern Ottawa, has more than 3,000 members, and holds a Canada Soccer National Youth License.

“Atlético Ottawa’s goal is to create robust pathways across the region, allowing aspiring players new avenues to achieve their goals,” said Ron Palaczka, Chief Strategy Officer at Atlético Ottawa. “This is yet another step in that direction, and we thank Atlético Ottawa Juniors for their trust and commitment.”

In December, scouts from Atlético Ottawa’s Mexican affiliate, Atlético de San Luis Femenil, visited the nation’s capital to scout Atlético Ottawa Juniors female alumni, as well as other selected players from the National Capital Region, for a chance to earn a trial with the Liga MX Femenil side.

The youth side was previously known as Ottawa TFC, having had a seven-year affiliate partnership with Major League Soccer side Toronto FC following the merger of Cumberland United and Capital United.

The Board of Directors voted not to renew the affiliation following the agreement's expiry date of December 31, 2025.