Cavalry FC announced Wednesday the club has signed English left fullback Nathan Mavila for the 2019 season.

Growing up in South London, Mavila signed with his first professional club in 2008, joining the Wycombe Wanderers academy before moving to East London to play for West Ham United’s youth teams.

After stints in the semi-professional game, Mavila was signed by Leyton Orient in February of 2018 until the completion of the 2017/18 season.

Mavila is also studying for his degree in Sport Science through the University of East London and was most recently playing for Dulwich Hamlet FC.

“Nathan is an exciting young talent with pedigree that has lightening pace and a terrific left foot,” Cavalry FC head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. said. “He fit the profile of the modern day left back we were looking for and another exciting young import who has his best years ahead of him.”

Mavila, who has played alongside current Cavs striker Jordan Brown with West Ham’s under-21 side, has also suited up for Aldershot Town, Hampton & Richmond Borough and Maidstone United at the senior level.

He joins Cavalry FC with an eye toward a new adventure in Canada.

“For me it was more about trying something new, being outside of my comfort zone and seeing what could blossom from it,” Mavila said, of playing in Canada.

Head coach Tommy Wheeldon Jr. recently spoke about his international player signing philosophy, highlighting a want to bring on players who have yet to hit their professional peak.

Cavalry currently has three out of seven possible international slots filled by Brown, Julian Büscher and Oliver Minatel.

Mavila is expected to arrive in Calgary March 2019 to begin training pending the expected approval of appropriate visas/work permits and pending International Transfer Certificate (ITC) approval.