Inter Toronto Signs 16-Year-Old David Peraza to Multi-Year Professional Contract
At 16, David Peraza has signed a multi-year professional contract with Inter Toronto FC, marking a significant achievement for the young winger. His journey through the club’s development pathway demonstrates dedication and commitment, showcasing Inter Toronto’s successful model for nurturing young talent in Canadian soccer. Peraza expresses pride in achieving a long-held dream.
TORONTO, ON – At just 16 years old, David Peraza has reached a milestone that many young soccer players spend a lifetime chasing.
Inter Toronto FC announced Monday that the Newmarket-born winger has signed his first multi-year professional contract, becoming the latest graduate of the club’s player development pathway to earn a place with the First Team.
The agreement keeps Peraza under contract through the 2029 Canadian Premier League season, with club options extending through 2031.
From Newmarket to the professional game
Raised in Caledon, Peraza brings a multicultural background to Inter Toronto, with Uruguayan and Croatian heritage helping shape both his identity and his development as a player.
Before joining the club, the teenager spent six months in Uruguay, immersing himself in one of South America’s most competitive football cultures. After returning to Canada, he earned an opportunity through Inter Toronto’s open tryout process and quickly established himself within the organization.
Since then, Peraza has progressed through every level of the club’s development system, consistently earning promotions through his performances, work ethic and maturity.
A pathway built for young talent
Peraza’s signing represents another example of Inter Toronto’s commitment to creating a direct pathway between youth soccer and the professional game.
Head coach Mauro Eustáquio believes the winger has earned this opportunity through consistent development.
“David has shown a strong commitment to his development since arriving at the club. He is a young player with good qualities in wide areas, and what stands out is that he never shies away from key moments in the game.”
Eustáquio also highlighted Peraza’s ability in the attacking third while emphasizing that his development is only beginning.
“His signing is another example of the opportunities our Pathway can create for young players who are willing to work every day and earn their place.”
As part of the agreement, Peraza also signed a Canadian Premier League Development Contract, allowing him to continue training and competing within the professional environment while remaining an important part of the club’s long-term plans.
A dream achieved at 16
For Peraza, signing his first professional contract fulfills a dream that began long before joining Inter Toronto.
“I’ve been working towards this for as long as I can remember, so finally getting here feels unreal.”
The winger described the achievement as a proud moment not only for himself, but also for the family that supported his journey.
“Signing my first professional contract at 16 is something I dreamed about growing up, and it’s a proud moment for me and my family because every sacrifice has been worth it.”
Having advanced through every stage of the organization’s development structure, Peraza believes his experience demonstrates what is possible for young players willing to stay patient.
“I’ve been through every stage of the Inter Toronto Pathway, so earning this opportunity means a lot. Looking back at how far I’ve come makes me proud, and it shows that if you stay committed, trust the process and keep improving every day, opportunities will come.”
More than one player’s success
Inter Toronto II head coach Silviu Butnaru views Peraza’s signing as validation of the club’s long-term development philosophy.
“Watching David sign his first professional contract is a proud moment because it’s the result of years of commitment and development.”
Butnaru believes Peraza’s progression sends an important message to every academy player currently working toward the professional level.
“David’s journey shows exactly what the Inter Toronto Pathway is designed to do. It gives young players a real opportunity to reach the professional level, but only if they’re willing to embrace the process, stay consistent and work for it every day.”
With his first professional contract now signed, Peraza becomes the latest local player to make the jump from Inter Toronto’s development system into the First Team, adding another chapter to the club’s growing reputation for developing young Canadian talent.
