The “Integrated Model” (IModel) is an Ontario Soccer approved pilot project for the central region, which will be administered in partnership with Ontario Soccer, District Associations and a designated league service provider.

IModel is a league comprised of youth Clubs from the central region District Associations only. The rules and regulations outlined in 2023 IModel Phase 2 Pilot Project pertain to the Qualifying, Competitive 1 (C1) and Competitive 2 (C2) phases of the outdoor soccer season. The IModel league is open to any properly registered Club in good standing as defined by the District Association they are registered. Teams from Districts within the central region that do not offer an IModel division may apply to participate in a neighboring District but are subject to approval from the respective District.

The new IModel concept is innovative and will provide new development opportunities within the LTPD “Soccer 4 life” youth boys and girls District and Regional level competitive streams.

The intention is to integrate stakeholders and existing competitive structures, with the goal to unify the soccer community and continue moving the game forward by introducing modern solutions and concepts that addresses a number of challenges such as; length of season, self-determination, adequate level of competition, seasonal periodization, promotion & relegation, affordability etc.

The IModel drivers are a combination of league criteria and player readiness, with the vision to equally serve all members, allowing even the smallest organization the possibility of being placed at the adequate competitive level based on merit (real-time assessment).

The framework features suitable long-term player development principles from Canada Soccer and takes into consideration the player stage of development (readiness).

The 2022 and 2023 outdoor seasons serve as a test of the model where we will gather data enabling us to make any changes that are necessary to improve the concept. 

 The IModel and its dynamics combine essential development elements like; mental preparation, goal setting and learn how to cope with competition while players continue to acquire more advance skills.

The variety of the competitive conditions will give these players an equitable opportunity to develop, which will contribute immensely to best prepare their next steps.

The concept also takes into consideration the importance for our youth players (U13 to U18) to have a good balance between family, sports and education.

The recommendation of 3:1 training to game ratio will allow proper recovery between matches and takes into account how travel impacts behavior.

Championship Showcase, for the 2023 edition of the IModel at the Competitive 1 (C1) level, teams will be required to travel (one time) to the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Ontario.

Overall the IModel brings all members together and bridges many gaps giving more relevance to players in the LTPD “Soccer 4 Life stream”.

This framework underpins very important principles; affordability fairness, inclusiveness, competitiveness, and affordability with achievable goal setting.

The IModel Annual Cycle important information:

• Properly periodized both from the perspective of providing breaks and time off for players and teams throughout the annual calendar, as well as providing enough time between matches for training/recovery.
• Proper periodization is also achieved via a regularly scheduled with 2-week break in the summer, as well as a 6-week recovery period after season completion.
• Best prepare players for the modern game with an adequate level of competition.
• Ontario Soccer and its participating member District Associations are proud to collaborate with Brock University’s Department of Sport Management Research who will providing the assessment of the pilot project.

Requirements:

• A minimum of six (6) teams are required to form a District Qualifying Season.
• The existing regional level of play is integrated in the IModel as Competitive (C1).
• Competitive (C1) and Competitive (C2) will be populated from teams advancing from the Qualifying Season.
• Competitive 1 will accommodate up to a maximum of 8 girls/8 boys teams per age group/gender.
• The league will not have Promotion and Relegation and is replaced by a “Qualification season”.
• In the Qualifying Season, the District Associations may combine to provide the qualifying and C2 season depending on number of teams.
• Yearly qualification for C1 and C2.
• Player movement only allowed within same Club in the same season.
• Clubs are not obliged to populate any age group.
• Clubs can only have one team representation per age group/gender.
• Technical leaders should have exclusive right to decide which players/teams will populate spots from their Clubs at the qualifying season.

Note: The season dates for any other level of play below the IModel remains untouched, so Districts, can tailor their leagues/programs to best suit their membership needs.

See the 2023 IModel Phase 2 Pilot Project Rules and Regulations located on this page for further details.

For more information email us at IModel@ontariosoccer.net.

The 2022 IModel Central Region (C1) Finals were played in early November, with eight squads claiming championship glory.

Click here for the full photo gallery.

Game results can be viewed in the accompanying article graphic.

Ontario Soccer congratulates the eight champions and all the clubs that took part in the 2022 IModel Season.