The Kitsap Pumas added to their roster for their 2015 National Championship bid by signing much sought after Colombian midfielder Carlos Patino.

Patino, who moved from Columbia to the province of Alberta, Canada, at the age of 10, is a product of the prestigious Vancouver Whitecaps Academy.

He developed a strong interest in the game of soccer from a very early age.

“I started playing soccer with my dad when I was about only five years old and from that day on it has remained one of the biggest driving forces in my life,” said Patino.

After playing for a local youth club in his hometown of Edmonton, and later being selected to the Alberta Province team, Patino was invited to play for the Whitecaps Development Academy.

The Whitecaps Development Academy Residency Program has a track record of producing talented young players by providing the perfect conditions to develop and prepare elite athletes for the mental and physical demands at the professional level.

“Participating in the Whitecaps Academy was a great experience that allowed me the opportunity to develop my game at a crucial time in my life,” Patino recalled. “That entire experience really started to expose me to what it would take to be a professional one day.”

Following his time with Vancouver Patino temporarily moved back to Columbia to play for Club Atletico Faustino Asprilla (CAFA), a professional side in the Federacion Colombiana de Futbol.

“During my time back in Columbia I learned a lot and it really helped me to mature and get a lot stronger mentally,” Patino said. “The whole experience gave me a completely different perspective on what I need to do to be successful at the professional level.”

After a year in Columbia, Patino elected to return to his hometown of Edmonton to play with FC Edmonton of the North American Soccer League (NASL).

“Once I had some time to adjust I felt like I was able to compete at that level,” Patino recalled. “Getting that opportunity with high level players really helped to improve my game.”

During his stint with FC Edmonton, Patino made it clear he seen his next step as joining a professional club in the United States.

“I’ve dedicated myself completely to pursuing a professional playing career and feel that I have the ability to play at a high level in the United States,” Patino said.

Head Coach Cameron MacDonald who had previously seen Patino play for the Whitecaps Academy was alerted to the youngster’s availability in February and had no hesitation in starting negotiations.

“I reached out to Carlos early in the New Year and brought him down to our invitational tryouts to see the area and meet the coaching staff. He’s a great kid and phenomenal player. For someone so young he already has a lot of experience and is the type of player who can win you a game on his own.”

Although Patino has already played in numerous countries around the world, he remains excited for this next step with the Pumas.

“When I came to meet the staff everyone from the backroom team to the coaches to the fans were amazing and I cannot wait to work with them and show them what I can do,” Patino said. “Cammy has a lot of faith in me and even though I had other options on the table I feel I’ll stand the best chance of developing playing for him. I am so excited to help this team be successful this season.”