CALGARY – Cavalry FC announced the signing of Calgary-born midfielder Malyk Hamilton on Wednesday.

Hamilton, 19, comes back to his hometown after initially moving away at age 13 to join West Ham United’s academy. He spent eight years in England with the club’s academy before moving back to Canada and Toronto FC II in March 2018. He made eight appearances and scored a goal for both TFC II and TFC III last season.

“The Canadian Premier League was built for players like Malyk — Canadians who have talent and a hunger to play professionally but just need the right platform to express themselves on,” Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said. “Supporters will be impressed with his exciting speed, creativity and no fear approach to the game, especially as he is one of their own local players returning home to play for the city. What’s even more exciting is that he has so much potential to be an incredible player if he continues to put the work in.”

Hamilton represented Canada’s under-18s while with West Ham.

“I’m delighted to be home to not just live but to play my trade for my hometown,” Hamilton said. “This is the place that I began learning to play the beautiful game and It’s an honour to come back to represent my hometown in the inaugural season for Cavalry FC.”

Hamilton is one of the club’s first players to meet the under-21 domestic player requirements set forth by the CPL.

Today’s signing marks the 17th made by Calvary ahead of their inaugural season. Check the full list here.