Waterford FC are delighted to announce that MU20 forward Orion Cala has become the latest Waterford FC academy star to earn his first professional deal with the Blues.
The 16 year old is rewarded with his first career professional contract after impressing throughout our academy structure in recent seasons.
Beginning his schoolboy journey with local side Park Rangers, Cala joined the Blues in 2023 at MU14 level before progressing through to our MU20s where plays today.
In May of 2025, Cala was named on the substitutes bench for the Blues’ entertaining 2-2 draw away to St. Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park, before also making the matchday squad against Cork, St. Mochta’s & Galway United in the following weeks.
Orion was involved with Waterford’s pre-season schedule earlier this year, making his first appearance against Bray, before just four days later netting his first senior goal for the Blues in our 3-1 pre-season win away to Cobh Ramblers, finding the bottom corner from 25 yards.
Cala earned his first competitive start for the Blues in our 3-1 win over Riverstown in the Munster Senior Cup this year, before scoring the Blues’ second in stunning fashion in our semi-final against Rockmount, finding the top corner from 25 yards early into extra-time.
The exciting forward has also been named in the Blues matchday squad for our games against Shamrock Rovers, Drogheda United and most recently Cobh Ramblers, as he continues to impress the Blues coaching staff.
Speaking on signing his first deal with the club, Cala spoke of his delight in signing his first professional deal, saying:
“I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity. I’m delighted to sign my first contract, and I’m very grateful for everyone that has helped me to get to where I am now. I’m looking forward to my future at this club.”
Waterford FC Academy Director Johnny Dunleavy is delighted to see Orion sign his first deal with the Blues, saying:
“We are thrilled to see Orion sign his first professional contract with the club. He is a very exciting talent and that has been evidenced over the last number of weeks in his performances against Spurs and Wycombe. We hope this is just the start for him and look forward to seeing his journey progress with Waterford FC.”
Waterford FC Chief Operating Officer Richy Walsh is also pleased for Cala to secure his first professional contract at the club, mentioning:
“We’re delighted to see Orion sign his first professional contract with the club. At just 16 years of age, he’s an outstanding young talent with a very bright future ahead of him. The fact he’s already featured throughout our pre-season programme and has been involved in a number of first-team squads over the course of the season speaks volumes about the quality he possesses.”
Following on from Noah O’Brien and Igor Bacela, Orion’s signing is another milestone that reflects the work being done across the academy.
Orion has shown a great attitude, commitment and willingness to improve every day. This contract is recognition of the hard work he has put in, but it’s also just the beginning. We look forward to supporting his continued development and are excited to see what the future holds for him in a Waterford FC shirt.”
From everyone at Waterford FC, congratulations Orion!
