As the 2015 OPDL schedule winds down over the next two months, the 16 License Holders are preparing their membership and new members for 2016.

This includes educating families on the long term vision of the OPDL, the opportunities that will be created for the players in the OPDL and the eventual link-up with League1 Ontario.

These educational opportunities have been created prior to the License Holders hosting their tryouts for 2003 born players.

Over the past month, the Technical Director of the OSA, Gary Miller, has been travelling around the province conducting OPDL Educational Presentations to the License Holder members.

The presentation has focused on the following key points:

What is the long term vision of the OPDL?

• Growth of the league from U13 to U17 age groups
• Connecting with the League 1 Ontario level
• Assessment of players for Provincial teams and National teams
• Showcase Tournaments for U15 players and older for Canadian and US University coaches
• Working relationship with Toronto FC in male age divisions

The ongoing assessment of the OPDL and the License Holders

• Assessment of the Long Term Player Development Plan
• Assessment of OPDL coaches on game day and training
• Assessment of License Holders on financial stability, governance and administration
• Assessment of players by OSA High Performance Staff

The game sites for 2016

• Review of central locations
• Review of club home locations
• Standards that are used in the OPDL

The changes for 2016

• Lower cost to the License Holders from the OSA
• Less centralized game locations
• Less travel for teams 

The License Holders that have taken advantage of this presentation or plan to take advantage of, has included the following clubs:

• North Toronto SC
• Aurora SC
• Burlington SC
• Kleinburg SC
• Woodbridge SC
• Pickering SC
• Unionville-Milliken SC
• North Mississauga SC
• Nepean SC
• Ottawa South SC
• Oakville SC

This presentation has helped to educate the membership and provide parents with additional information as to why their child is participating in the OPDL.