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

IModel pilot project currently consists of the following regional approved plan;

Central Region Pilot:

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

Southern Region

• 2024 Outdoor
• District Associations of PHSA, HS, NSA
• U13 only

Western Region

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

Eastern Region

• Pending Expression of Interest from EODSA and SOSA

Northern Region

• N/A (Eligible competitive teams playing in Central or Western Region pilot)

IModel is a league comprised of youth Clubs from the four regions’ District Associations. The rules and regulations outlined in the current 2023 IModel Phase 2 Pilot Project pertain to the Qualifying phase, 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. 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during the start of the season “Qualification Phase” to advance to either C1 or C2 play) thus eliminating the outdated model of promotion and relegation.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.

Champions Showcase new in 2024 will feature Competitive 1 (C1) level IModel teams at the U13 age level (boys and girls) who are winners from their respective regions (Central and South), travel (one time) to the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Ontario in the late Fall. More regions and teams will be added once up and running in subsequent years.

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 two-week break in the summer, as well as a six-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 be providing the assessment of the pilot project.

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.

The 2023 IModel Central Region Finals were played in early November, with ten 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 10 champions and all the Clubs that took part in the 2023 IModel Season.