Teenage Talent: Cavalry Inks Michael Harms To Multi-Year Deal

After selling domestic U-21 winger Goteh Ntignee for a league record transfer fee listed in the $500k range, Cavalry FC has returned to roster compliance with the signing of 17-year-old Michael Harms to a standard pro contract.

The teenage defender – who had previously been on a developmental deal – has now put pen to paper on a contract that runs through to the end of the 2024 CPL season with a two-year club option.

“Michael is a young player with high potential and a strong mentality,” said Tommy Wheeldon Jr, who has a strong track record of youth recruitment.

“We’ve been impressed with his development as he has adapted very well within the professional environment.  He is a dynamic defender that provides a lot of energy and speed to the team along with being technically proficient.”

The sale of Ntignee brought Cavalry down to two domestic U-21 players on standard pro contracts, one under the the league’s required number. The Alberta-based side still have Mael Henry and Gareth Smith-Doyle on contract, with Harms’ new deal bringing them up to three.

The teenage talent got his first taste of Cavalry last July when he signed his first-ever developmental deal with the side through the Calgary Calgary Foothills Soccer Club. By that point he was already a regular feature for the Cavalry U-20 AMSL side.

This season saw him feature for Cavalry U-21 at the 2023 League1 Alberta Exhibition series before making his professional debut through a dev deal with Cavalry, appearing as a late substitute against Atletico Ottawa and also featuring against Vancouver FC.

“I’m very excited to be signing a professional contract with Cavalry FC,” added Harms himself. “This has been a dream of mine and I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”

With the likes of Victor Loturi, Aribim Pepple, and the aforementioned Goteh Ntignee both being moved on to even bigger stages after spending some of their teenage years at ATCO Field, it’ll be interesting to see how Michael progresses with a developmental powerhouse like Cavalry.

The 17-year-old will be eligible to suit up for Cavalry right from the get-go, with the team set to face league rivals Forge FC this weekend before returning home for another bout against Vancouver FC the following weekend.