Atlético Ottawa announced on Wednesday the signing of left-sided defender Sergei Kozlovskiy to an Exceptional Young Talent contract.

The Exceptional Young Talent (EYT) designation was introduced by the Canadian Premier League (CPL) in 2023 as a subcategory of its Developmental Roster.

The Exceptional Young Talent category gives teams the opportunity to sign two domestic U-18 players in addition to the 23 man primary roster. Players under the category can maintain EYT status before and during the year of their 21st birthday. To learn more about EYT roster rules click here.

Kozlovskiy, 16, a Canada youth international, arrives in Ottawa after spending time with CF Montréal’s youth academy, featuring for the club’s U-15, U-17, and U-18 sides after joining in 2022. Kozlovskiy was an MLS Next Cup finalist in 2023, and was one of 4 academy players who travelled to train with Serie A side (Italian first division) Bologna FC 1909’s youth academy in December 2024.

“Sergei fits seamlessly with how we are looking to play this season” said general manager JD Ulanowski “There was significant interest in him from other clubs, but we showed our project will give him the best chance to contribute in a competitive environment and offer a developmental pathway for further success in his career.”

At 15 years old, Kozvolskiy was called up to Canada’s under 20 National team in 2024. He has represented Canada at the youth level, making appearances for the U-15 (4 games, 4 goals), U-17 (4 games, 3 goals), and U-20 teams (2 games, 1 goal).

“I’m really excited to sign my first professional contract here” said Kozlovskiy “I love the environment already, and I’m looking forward to playing in this league while continuing to develop my game”

Kozlovskiy has met up with the team to begin training at their camp in Mexico before the 2025 Canadian Premier League season.