TORONTO – Long before signing his first professional contract, David Peraza was simply a kid with a football at his feet.
Growing up in Caledon, Ontario, football was always part of daily life. His father and grandfather both played the game in Uruguay, where football is woven into the country's culture, and that passion naturally found its way into David's childhood.
"My dad's side of the family played soccer their whole lives," Peraza said. "My dad played, my grandfather played, and they grew up in Uruguay. Every day there was a ball around."
As he got older, football became more than a hobby.
"That's when things started getting serious," he said. "We were training every day, playing games, and I realized I wanted to make this my career."
That ambition eventually took him to Uruguay, where he spent six months immersed in one of the world's most passionate football cultures. For his father, Martín, the experience became a turning point in David's development.
"He saw the difference in passion and the love people have for football there," Martín said. "I think that experience helped him become the player he is today."
When David returned to Canada, the family began searching for the right environment to continue his development. Recommendations from people they trusted throughout the local football community all pointed toward one destination: Inter Toronto.
Although arriving at a professional academy environment was intimidating at first, that feeling didn't last long.
"I was pretty nervous," Peraza admitted. "It's a professional academy and it's very serious."
It wasn't long before the people around him helped that uncertainty disappear.
"The coaches were very welcoming," he said. "Every training session they were great with me, and it made me feel comfortable right away."
From that point forward, Peraza steadily progressed through every level of Inter Toronto's Pathway, earning opportunities through his performances, work ethic and consistency.
"I've been through every stage of the Inter Toronto Pathway, so earning this opportunity means a lot," Peraza said. "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."
For José Petinga, Assistant Coach of Inter Toronto's CPL First Team and OPL2 squad, Peraza's journey reflects exactly what the club's development model is designed to achieve.
"David earned this opportunity through years of dedication, consistency, and commitment to his development," Petinga said. "Having watched him progress through every stage of our Pathway makes this moment even more rewarding. Signing his first professional contract is an important milestone, but we all know this is only the beginning of what's ahead for him."
Throughout his development, Peraza continued to mature both on and off the pitch.
"I've seen David grow tremendously as both a player and a person," said Liam Capuano, Assistant Coach of Inter Toronto's OPDL U14/U15 and OPL3/OPL4 teams. "His consistency, humility, and willingness to learn have allowed him to keep improving every day. This opportunity wasn't given to him, it was earned through the work he's put in throughout his journey with Inter Toronto."
That consistency allowed him to earn training opportunities alongside the First Team before ultimately signing his first professional contract.
"Knowing the club believes in me motivates me to keep improving every day and prove they made the right choice," Peraza said. "I'm proud that Inter Toronto gave me my first opportunity as a professional, and now it's up to me to make the most of it."
Alexander Kurasz, Head Coach of Inter Toronto's OPDL U13 team and Assistant Coach of the club's OPL2 squad, believes Peraza's mentality has been one of the biggest factors behind his progression.
"David has always taken advantage of every opportunity he's been given," Kurasz said. "His commitment, professionalism, and desire to improve have earned him this next step. Seeing him sign his first professional contract is a proud moment, and we know there's still much more to come."
Although becoming a professional at 17 is a significant milestone, Peraza insists his ambitions are much bigger.
"I think this is only the beginning," he said. "Signing my first professional contract is a huge milestone, but I want to keep improving, earn more opportunities, and reach the highest level possible. I'm excited to see how far this journey can take me."
For David Peraza, the dream of becoming a professional has become reality. Now, another journey begins.