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CPL Atletico Ottawa

Atlético Ottawa Captain Carl Haworth to Retire at the End of the Season

September 20, 2023 - Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release


Atlético Ottawa captain Carl Haworth
Atlético Ottawa captain Carl Haworth
(Atletico Ottawa)

Atlético Ottawa club captain Carl Haworth has announced that he is retiring from professional soccer at the end of the 2023 Canadian Premier League season.

"This is a decision that has come about over time, dealing with an injury that isn't able to get better," said Carl Haworth, Club Captain, Atlético Ottawa. "I've been managing it, but over time it's become challenging, physically and mentally. Going into the season I thought this might be my last one, and making this announcement felt like the right thing to do as we head into our final home match of the regular season, and to get to share this moment with the soccer community in the city."

Haworth, 34, made the announcement on social media ahead of Atlético Ottawa's final regular season match at TD Place this year on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Haworth has played 41 matches for the Rojiblancos - including a start in last year's CPL final - since joining ahead of the 2022 season, scoring three goals and providing nine assists, and was officially appointed club captain by Head Coach Carlos González at the start of the current campaign.

Fan favourite Haworth, who grew up in Barrie, ON after his family immigrated from England when he was only a toddler, is well known in the Ottawa soccer community. After settling in the capital as the former professional club, Ottawa Fury FC was preparing to make the move from the PDL to the pro ranks, he signed his first professional contract with Fury in late 2013, then played in the NASL, and stayed with the club until its dissolution in 2019 after three seasons in the USL.

In his six seasons in Ottawa, the midfielder established club records across all competitions in appearances (169), goals scored (27), and assists (29). In his final season in the capital in 2019, one of his most productive in career despite moving to a lateral defender role, he tallied 10 goals, and nine assists in 33 league appearances, earning him the club's Player of the Year award.

Haworth, who also works with local youth soccer club Glouscter Hornets, added: "As soon as I got to the city I knew it was a place I could call home. The members of the soccer community and the people in Ottawa are incredible. I met my wife here, I've bought a home here and I recently had my first baby here just last month, it's definitely going to be the place I call home long after the end of this season. Staying involved in the soccer community, and giving back, is a really big part of why I do this. The game has given us so much and it's important to give back. I hope I was a good role model, and set a good image of what it means to be a good person, a good leader, and a good professional."

"We are deeply grateful for Carl Haworth's outstanding contributions to Atlético Ottawa in the last two seasons, as well as to the professional soccer landscape in Ottawa throughout his career," said Fernando López, Atlético Ottawa, CEO. "As our club captain, Carl has been a true leader on and off the field, embodying the values and spirit of our organization. His dedication and passion for the game have left an indelible mark on our club, our fans, and the Canadian soccer community. While we are saddened by his decision to retire, we fully support Carl and his growing family in this new chapter of his life, and we look forward to celebrating his career and achievements in the weeks to come. Carl will always be a part of the Atlético Ottawa family, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players."

Haworth's contributions extended well beyond the field of play with the midfielder a vocal advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, raising money annually for Athlete Ally, as well as supporting club initiatives such as work with Eastern Ontario Potcake Rescue, the CHEO Foundation fundraiser and more.

Haworth is set to be celebrated pre-match this Sunday at TD Place (KO 2 pm ET, live on OneSoccer). Fans eager to witness Haworth play professionally in Ottawa, for what could be the final time, can purchase tickets to this weekend's match against Valour FC.

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Atlético Ottawa captain Carl Haworth
Atlético Ottawa captain Carl Haworth
   



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