Declan Watters, a center back from Dublin, Ireland will be joining the Chattanooga Red Wolves for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval.
Watters will be joining USL League One play for the first time after spending the 2023 season with Vänersborgs IF, a third tier club in Sweden. During his time with the club, he appeared and started in 26 matches and registered one goal and one assist. He was also second in most minutes played for the team.
Prior to 2023, Watters played one year at Drake University and four years at University of Akron. While at Drake University, Watters recorded 1,350 minutes in 2022 and 1,213 minutes in 2021. He had one goal and two assists across 29 appearances and was voted Defensive Player of the Year (Missouri Valley Conference) in 2022.
From 2018 to 2021, Watters played at University of Akron and made 30 appearances for the
team and was a part of the 2018 NCAA Division 1 National Finalist. Watters was named Team Captain during the 2020-2021 season. Before college, Watters played for Shamrock Rovers Football Club in Ireland who won the U17 National Championship in 2015.
“I couldn’t be happier to be joining the club.” Watters said. “After spending last season in
Sweden, it’s fantastic to be coming back to the States. When I spoke with Scott, it was clear that Chattanooga was the perfect fit. The club has a very bright future, and I’m excited to play my part in that.”
“Declan has huge potential as an elite central defender,” said head coach Scott Mackenzie. “He has elite physical attributes and pair that with his qualities with the ball at his feet, we expect Declan to come in and be a big time contributor for us this season.
The Chattanooga Red Wolves will begin their 2024 season on the road against Lexington SC on Saturday, March 15th before returning to CHI Memorial Stadium for their home opener on Saturday, March 30th. Season tickets are available to purchase online.