TULSA, Okla. – FC Tulsa announced on Wednesday it had signed 20-year-old homegrown midfielder Ciaran Winters to a new contract for the 2022 USL Championship season, pending league and federation approval. Winters made history this past season by becoming the first FC Tulsa player to complete the pathway to pro – signing a professional contract after starting his Tulsa career as an Academy player with the club.

“Ciaran took huge steps forward in his growth as a professional footballer this past year,” said FC Tulsa Head Coach Michael Nsien. “When we were a bit banged up early in the season, Ciaran was able to step in and get valuable minutes. Unfortunately, Ciaran suffered his own injuries when the other players made their way back into the team. I know Ciaran will prepare this off-season to have an incredible upcoming year, and I believe he has all the tools to really shine this year.”

After training with the First Team throughout the 2020 season as a USL Academy signing, Winters made his long-awaited debut for the club on April 24 in the first Black Gold Derby of the season against OKC Energy FC. In all, he made 10 appearances as a substitute, playing 157 minutes. FC Tulsa went 5-4-1 in those 10 matches, including wins against Energy FC and Indy Eleven. Winters will look to record his first professional goal or assist in 2022.

A native of Jenks, Oklahoma, Winters attended the Tulsa Soccer Academy locally before moving to Kansas City to play in the Sporting KC Academy system in 2018 and 2019. He returned to Tulsa in 2020 with the opportunity to eventually represent his hometown club as a professional, a dream he achieved as a substitute in last year’s season opener.

“I’m over the moon to be playing in Tulsa for another year,” said Winters. “I have a special feeling about the 2022 season, and I can’t wait to make it my best one yet. I’m looking forward to getting back out in front of the fans at ONEOK Field.”