OTTAWA — Goalkeeper Nate Ingham, who captained Atletico Ottawa to a North Star Cup win last month, is leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the year.
The 32-year-old captain has spent the last four seasons with Ottawa, which topped the regular-season standings in 2022 and won the league title this year.
While Ingham plans to continue playing soccer, the decision to leave Ottawa is apparently due to personal and business reasons.
A native of Keswick, Ont., Ingham studied hospitality resort management, with a food and beverage minor, at Florida Gulf Coast University. He is a certified sommelier, having taken classes through Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and was involved with the Ottawa restaurant scene.
“It’s the hardest and most complicated decision I’ve ever had to make in my career,” said Ingham. “My entire life has been dictated by soccer, and to be honest, I’ve been playing longer than I ever thought was possible for me. This is the first time I allowed myself to make a decision about soccer with my life outside of the sport in mind.”
Ingham and Ottawa defeated Cavalry FC 2-1 in blizzard-like conditions in the Nov. 9 championship game at TD Place Stadium
Ingham was a finalists for CPL goalkeeper of the year this season, recording 13 shutouts in 35 appearances across all competitions. He holds the Ottawa club record for appearances, with 109 matches in all competitions.
“We are extremely grateful for everything Nathan has given to Ottawa,” Ottawa general manager J.D. Ulanowski said in a statement. “Since his arrival, he has played a pivotal role in shaping our culture through his performances and leadership. Nathan leaves a lasting impression on our club and our community, and we wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life.”
Ottawa does not currently have a ‘keeper under contract for next season although it holds a club option on goalkeeper Tristan Crampton
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2025.
The Canadian Press
