The “Integrated Model” (IModel) is an Ontario Soccer approved pilot project for the Central, South, West and East regions of Ontario and with play-in opportunities for competitive level teams from the North. The IModel is designed for boys and girls youth competitive level teams (U13-U18) competing in the LTPD “Soccer for Life” pathway and below the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL).  The IModel pilot project is administered in partnership with Ontario Soccer, its member District Associations and designated league service providers.

IModel pilot project consists of the following regional approved plans;

Central Region Pilot:

• 2022 Outdoor (complete), 2023 Outdoor (complete), 2024 Outdoor (complete) and 2025 Outdoor
• District Associations of YRSA, HDSA, TSA, NYSA, ECOSA, DRSA, SSA
• U13 to U18

South Region Pilot

• 2024 Outdoor (complete) and 2025 Outdoor
• District Associations of PHSA, HS, NSA
• U13 (2024) and U13/U14 (2025)

West Region Pilot

• 2025 Outdoor
• District Associations of SWS, LKSA, EMSA, ECSA
• U13 to U18

East Region Pilot

• 2025 Outdoor
• District Associations of EODSA and SOSA
• U13 to U18

North Region

• N/A (eligible competitive teams play into Central or West Region pilots)

IModel is a league comprised of youth Clubs from the four regions’ District Associations. The IModel Rules and Regulations, shown below and updated annually, governs and manages league play year-to-year.

The IModel league is open to any properly registered Club in good standing as defined by the District Association they are registered. The new IModel player and competition 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 during the start of the season “Qualification Phase” to advance to either C1 or C2 play) thus eliminating the outdated past model of promotion and relegation.

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

The IModel pilot serves 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.

The Provincial Champions Showcase Weekend features Competitive 1 (C1) level IModel teams who are winners from their respective regions, travel (one time) to the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Ontario in the late Fall.

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.

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

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

ARTICLE: Niagara United SC and First Touch FC Jaguars Win 2024 Provincial IModel C1 Championships