COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC announced on Tuesday the club had signed Grenada international Kharlton Belmar, pending league and federation approval.

“I'm extremely excited to be joining the Switchbacks franchise," said Belmar. "The direction, ambitions, and growth that has already been seen made this a no-brainer! Getting to reunite with some familiar faces on the pitch that already enjoyed success was also an opportunity that couldn’t be passed. Can’t wait to touch down in the Springs and get to work on bringing some silverware to the city!”

Across seven seasons in the professional ranks, Belmar has collected multiple awards, including being named the USL Championship’s Rookie of the Year in 2015 with the Porland Timbers 2 while also earning Championship Player of the Month honors in 2018 for Sporting Kansas City II. Over his career, Belmar has recorded 44 goals and 21 assists across 173 regular season games in the Championship.

The 29-year-old’s best campaign came in 2017 when he recorded 14 goals in 28 appearances for SKC II. The following season he was joined at the club by current Switchbacks forward and 2021 Championship Most Valuable Player Hadji Barry and recorded 10 goals and five assists while Badji notched 17 goals and five assists in helping SKC II reach the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2018 USL Championship Playoffs.

“Kharlton has shown the ability to have big productive seasons in this league and had a great connection with Hadji on a few of those occasions,” said Head Coach Brendan Burke. “He can also play in a few different spots which will give us more flexibility. We are excited to be adding another experienced attacking player with plenty of playoff appearances to the group.”

Belmar began his professional career in 2015 when he was signed by the Portland Timbers 2 after being selected in the Second Round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers in the MLS SuperDraft. Belmar has also competed in the league for Nashville SC and most recently at Sacramento Republic FC, and this year made four appearances for Grenada in FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifying.