CPL Atletico Ottawa

Atlético Ottawa Signs Former-Canada International Kris Twardek of Kinburn, ON

Published on January 30, 2024 under Canadian Premier League (CPL)
Atletico Ottawa News Release


OTTAWA, ON - As Atlético Ottawa's celebration of winter and the Beautiful Game (Soccerlude 2024) continues another major addition has been announced, with former Canada international Kris Twardek joining the nation's capital on a two-year contract, with an option to extend into 2026.

Twardek, of Kinburn, ON, is a right-footed wide player who came through the academy of English Championship side Millwall FC and has represented the Czech national team and Canada at youth level whilst also earning a cap for the Canadian National Team at senior level in 2017 against El Salvador. Locally, Twardek played for Ottawa South United at youth level, where he caught the attention of Premier League giants Everton FC, and expressed his excitement at returning to his home region.

"I always wanted to come home and play in front of my Mum, Dad, siblings and friends that I grew up with. It doesn't get better than that really," said Twardek. "It feels amazing to be here. It's a blessing, to be able to play in a beautiful stadium, with a passionate and growing fanbase. It's really exciting to be part of this evolving project. From the outside looking in, you can see how the sport has been growing in Ottawa. I grew up in the country, just outside of the city and I was very close with my brother. We were constantly competing in everything related to soccer which gave me such a strong connection to my family and the sport. The club has made me feel confident and valued and I can't wait to start competing."

Twardek has experience throughout the English soccer pyramid, having played in National League, League Two and the Championship. Most recently, the 26-year-old played for Bohemians FC in the League of Ireland's Premier Divison, having joined in 2021. This was Twardek's second stint with the club for whom he has featured 71 times, scoring four (4) goals and providing 11 assists, whilst making the right flank his own.

"We are very excited to welcome Kris Twardek to the Atlético Ottawa family, we are thrilled to have a player of such calibre join the club and the Canadian Premier League," said Fernando López, CEO, Atlético Ottawa. "Kris embodies the essence of a powerful athlete, entering the league in his prime and poised to make a significant impact on the field. Off the field, Kris has a deep-rooted connection to the local community and has a strong family focus. We believe in players who not only excel on the pitch but also carry the spirit of our community in their hearts. Kris is a testament to that ambition, and we are confident that his dedication to giving his all for the badge will resonate with our fans and further strengthen the bonds between Atlético and our community."

More information on Kris Twardek's early career

Twardek left home at 16 years old, and after almost two years in the Millwall Academy, Twardek graduated in 2015 but suffered a dislocated toe setting him back to featuring for the under-21s until the end of the season where he appeared as an unused substitute. Successful loan spells at Braintree Town and Carlisle United followed as Twardek gained further professional experience before making the move to Ireland at the end of the 2017/18 season.

Twardek spent one season at Sligo Rovers, earning multiple Player of the Month accolades and made a move to Bohemains, for his first spell with the club, at the end of the campaign. Spells in the Polish top flight and the Slovakian first division followed before returning to Ireland, and Bohemians, in 2021.

On an international side, the 26-year-old featured for the Czech Republic under-17, under-18 and under-19 programs. He switched allegiances to Canada to compete in the under-20 program and was nominated for the Canada Soccer U20 Player of the Year award in 2016. Twardek was named to Canada's roster for the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Notable performances against Antigua and Barbuda and Honduras caught the eye, and Twardek was named the Canada Soccer U20 Player of the Year in 2017. Twardek was called up to represent Canada at the Tokyo Olympics but had to pull out due to contracting COVID.

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