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LTOD around the province

By Staff, 05/07/19, 2:30PM EDT

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Long Term Match Official Development projects are going on around Ontario

Play. Inspire. Unite. 

In 2018, Ontario Soccer met with 115 clubs face-to-face, to present the importance of Long Term Match Official Development. 

This year, Ontario Soccer have adjusted the focus of the presentations to Club Board Members, including, Presidents, Vice-presidents, Technical Directors, Executive Directors, and more. 

The Match Official Development Program now regularly travels to clubs and districts to present on the importance of LTOD as well as run education sessions. 

In March and April of 2019, there were over a dozen LTOD meetings held all across Ontario. 

There are several more planned over the next few months including a trip to Thunder Bay, where staff will attend and lead an LTOD event. 

The three day event will include Mentor Accreditation, Mentoring and referees attending a PDL Game and sitting with mentors in the stands and education opportunities. 

“LTOD is important to every official – whether Windsor, Ottawa, Toronto or Thunder Bay.  The more support we can provide across the Province, the more we will create consistency, development opportunities, and increase retention rates," said Nicky Pearson, Manager of Match Official Development. 


Instructors Matthew McCready (far left) and Wayne Sharp (far fight) at the Strathroy United LTOD Camp

Strathroy United recently hosted their first LTOD Camp on Saturday, May 4. 

LTOD camp instructor Wayne Sharp expressed his satisfaction with the event following its conclusion over the weekend.

“This was freaking awesome. The Club has 40 referees and 30 were there at the Camp," said Sharp. "One of the young officials took the Small Sided Assistant Referee course last week and at the end of the camp was better on the line than some with 10 years experience. We really are making an impact."

The Camps consist of two hours of in-class, and two hours of on-field training. There are no fitness or grade level requirements, and all officials are welcome. 

LTOD Camps can requested by contacting LTOD staff.

For a complete list of LTOD activities to date, please visit the LTOD Page on the Ontario Soccer website