Ontario Soccer announced today a new innovative research program involving a partnership with the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (CCRF) and participating Ontario Universities operating sport related research. Led by a newly formed, Ontario Soccer Research Advisory Committee,  the new research program launching in April 2024 with the mandate to manage and finance various research initiatives that support the growth, safety and development of the sport of soccer in Ontario.

Ontario Soccer’s newly formed Research Advisory Committee is an Operational Committee under the oversight of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee is responsible for assisting Ontario Soccer operations and the Board of Directors by providing counsel and research funding related to current and future research projects specifically related to the sport of amateur soccer in Ontario.

“Since 2015, Ontario Soccer has made concerted efforts to integrate within its operations, the importance of evidence-based decision making or motivation to make a proven difference in soccer and in sport at large, in Ontario and throughout Canada, said Johnny Misley, Ontario Soccer’s CEO.

“While Ontario Soccer historically has conducted or partnered in various soccer or sport research projects, the organization has never formalized the concept of ‘scientific research’ into its day-to-day operations. Today’s announcement - introducing Ontario Soccer’s newly formed RAC and research program with the CCRF and our Ontario based universities - does just that.”

The Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (CCRF) is a registered charity dedicated to funding evidence-based national research to cost-effectively improve health outcomes for Canadians. In the past five years, the foundation has awarded over $1,500,000 to support high-impact, peer-reviewed studies published in respected scientific journals.

“This exciting partnership is a major step forward, as we continue to invest in both sports science and community-based health projects” says Robert Harris, Executive Director, CCRF. “It’s also another clear demonstration that organization-to-organization collaborations create exceptional opportunities to share best-practices that will benefit all stakeholders, from clinicians to researchers, coaches to players.”

“By sharing resources and supporting the goals of allied organizations, we multiply opportunities and accelerate impact in the healthcare, sports, institutional and government sectors,” added Misley. “We believe deeply that well-structured partnerships have a positive influence on health policy, research modernization, interdisciplinary understanding and operational efficiency, and I look forward to seeing where this new initiative, bringing sport and science together, will take the game of soccer and sport in general.”

The new research program is slated to begin in April 2024, with its first study RFP promotion and intake on varying soccer related studies. Follow Ontario Soccer’s digital channels to stay up-to-date on the initiative.