Cavalry FC of the Canadian Premier League (CPL) has announced the signing of 17-year old forward Chanan Chanda (pronounced Shan-nan Chan-duh) on an Exceptional Young Talent contract.
The two-year guaranteed contract also includes a one-year club option.
“I’m looking forward to joining the first team and working with the players and coaches. I’m excited to be starting my professional chapter with Cavalry and am very grateful for this opportunity and everyone who has believed in me.”
Chanda becomes the first Cavalry player to sign an Exceptional Young Talent contract with the club. The relatively new roster subcategory was introduced by the CPL in July 2023, and is designed to provide further professional experience for developing Canadian players. Players signed under the EYT subcategory, which is part of a team’s developmental roster, can retain that status up to and including the year of their 21st birthday. Their base salary and portions of bonuses and housing do not count toward a team’s cap.
The native of Calgary joins the first team after impressing with Cavalry’s U-21 side over the past two seasons. The forward currently leads League1 Alberta in goals, with seven scored in just seven appearances during the 2024 season. Prior to his time with Cavalry, Chanda grew up playing within the Calgary Minor Soccer Association for Calgary Blizzards, Calgary West FC, and MSB United.
“Chanan has proven to be deserving of this Exceptional Young Talent contract through his performances in League1 Alberta with our U-21 prospects. He is an intelligent forward that can score goals, create them, and is effective at defensive pressing too. He is also an outstanding young man with an infectious personality. I give credit to the Calgary Minor Soccer Association youth clubs that helped develop and prepare him for this opportunity. We look forward to supporting him during his first professional chapter with his hometown club.”
Cavalry will next face Atlético Ottawa on ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows on Friday, June 21 at 7:00pm MT. The match will mark the second annual Minor Soccer Night presented by Team Town Sports, in celebration of youth soccer across Alberta.