Toronto FC announced Monday that the club has signed KIA Toronto FC Academy midfielder Christopher Mannella as a Homegrown Player. He becomes the tenth player in club history to sign for the first team. As per team and league policy terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are pleased with Christopher’s development over the past five years in our Academy and he deserves this after proving himself while training with the first team starting back in pre-season as well as with our affiliate Wilmington Hammerheads during the season,” said Toronto General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He is a versatile player with great character who has the potential to do great things with the club. We want to thank our Academy staff for their contributions to Christopher’s development as a soccer player.”

Mannella, 20, was named captain of the KIA Toronto FC Senior Academy Team. He appeared in 11 matches, scoring two goals and logged 945 minutes this year in the inaugural League 1 Ontario season. Mannella originally joined the KIA Toronto FC Junior Academy Team in 2009 at the age of 15.

Christopher Mannella Position: Midfield Height: 5’8 Weight: 173 lbs Birthdate: June 7, 1994 Birth Place: Toronto, ON Hometown: Toronto, ON Nationality: Canadian Last Club: KIA Toronto FC Senior Academy Team How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC on September 15, 2014 Pronunciation: “Ma-nel-a”