The top soccer athletes in Ontario were in action in November as the Ontario Soccer Centre played host to the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Charity Shield.
In addition to the twelve teams, across six divisions who were competing for provincial glory, money was being raised to donate to local charities.
Every dollar accumulated through the $5 admission rate was donated to Ontario charities, as chosen by the winning teams in each match. As well, this year, the OPDL ran a silent auction, where those in attendance and those watching from home could bid on some fantastic prize packs and gear.
In total, over $6,500 was raised.
The money has been equally split and donated to the Kids Help Phone (North Toronto Boys U-14), Sick Kids Foundation (North Toronto Girls U-14), Canadian Cancer Society (Ottawa South United Girls U-15), Sunnybrook Foundation (Toronto FC Boys U-15), ALS Society of Canada (Vaughan SC Boys U-16) and the Sydney Wood Purple Butterfly of Hope (Hamilton United Girls U-16).
Those charities recently received their donations, with Ontario Soccer president Ron Smale on hand to assist with the presentations.