Winnipeg, Manitoba – The Manitoba Soccer Association (MSA) is pleased to announce Tavio Ciccarelli, a 17-year-old, former Winnipeger, has been selected to represent Canada at the upcoming 2024 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship Qualifiers in Trinidad & Tobago. Ciccarelli, now playing in England for Sheffield United’s U18s, was a former player at Bonivital Soccer Club from 2014-2018. Ciccarelli also took part in the former Whitecaps Academy Manitoba Pre-Prospects Program during his time in Winnipeg.

Canada’s U20 Men’s team is currently taking part in a threegame group stage in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago from 23-27 February 2024. This serves as a qualifier to the 2024 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship this summer. Tavio and Canada will face Dominica, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, and hosts, Trinidad & Tobago.

Chris Lourenco, MSA Technical Lead, commented, “It is always exciting to see a Manitoban selected to represent Canada, youth or senior. Tavio spent a good portion of his fundamental years in Winnipeg at Bonivital SC. To see him progress through to Sheffield United’s U18s and now to Canada’s U20s is a testament to the development he had whilst living in Manitoba. It is a proud moment for the province. We wish Tavio all the best representing Canada as he continues his path as a footballer.”

Héctor Vergara, MSA Executive Director, commented, “We are excited for Tavio as his dedication, effort, commitment, discipline, and hard work have provided him the opportunity to wear the Canadian jersey. It is through the support of all his coaches at the club, provincial levels, and abroad that have pushed him to excel at this level. We wish him great success in the upcoming games and his future career with the National team.”

All of Canada’s matches can be watched live on OneSoccer. Extended coverage can be found across Canada Soccer’s digital channels featuring the hashtag #CANM20.

For more information, please contact the Manitoba Soccer Association at (204) 594-5809 or visit the website at www.manitobasoccer.ca.