FC Tulsa has Right of Recall Throughout the Loan
TULSA – One of Tulsa’s own will be able to get more playing time with a new club in 2022. FC Tulsa has loaned midfielder Ciaran Winters, who made club history by being the first Academy player to sign a pro contract, to Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC of USL League One to have more opportunities on the pitch. Winters, 20, has been training with Northern Colorado over the last few weeks. FC Tulsa will carry a right of recall during the loan in case he is needed in Tulsa this season.
“Ciaran is an important building block for our club, and his growth and development has to be prioritized this season,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “We want Ciaran to get important minutes while he is on loan, and feel Ciaran can gain valuable experience by contributing week in and week out to a team’s success. We look forward to seeing him get repetitions on the field and sharpening his game.”
In 2020, Winters became the first local Tulsan to sign with the club when the Jenks native penned an Academy contract. Through his work in training with the team, Winters earned a professional contract in 2021 and made his debut in FC Tulsa’s season-opening win over OKC Energy FC. In total during the 2021 USL Championship season, Winters made 10 appearances, totaling 159 minutes.
“I feel honored to be presented with this opportunity to join a brand-new club with great staff and players, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Winters. “I think this loan will be very beneficial for my development, and I just have to thank Hailstorm FC and FC Tulsa for this great opportunity.”
On Wednesday night, Winters made his League One debut with Northern Colorado in the U.S. Open Cup, contributing to the team’s upset victory over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC of the USL Championship. Winters came off the bench to play 44 minutes as he continues his development.
