Ontario Soccer, in consultation with Canada Soccer and the Government of Ontario, continues to monitor the most recent developments surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the resulting public health crisis and now the province’s Return to Play.

Since the suspension of sanctioned activities in March, Ontario Soccer, with support from Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) License Holders, we developed over 13 contingency scenarios for return of OPDL competition right through to the end of November 2020.

Due to the size and scope of the OPDL program, any scenario for return to competition relied on the approval of Return to Play - Phase 3, in accordance with the Government of Ontario Health Orders.

While we have made significant progress towards Phase 3, including the recent announcement of “Phase 2 – Enhanced Format for Modified Games”, the current circumstances prevent the OPDL competitive season from taking place in 2020.

In light of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario Soccer has made the difficult decision to suspend efforts to resume the OPDL competitive season in 2020.

The health and safety of our participants was first and foremost in our decision.

All OPDL License Holder fees paid for the 2020 season ($5,500 per team) will be applied to the 2021 OPDL License Holder fees, which are invoiced in November.

Over the coming months, and in preparation for the 2021 OPDL Competitive season, Ontario Soccer will support the OPDL License Holders by engaging in modified competition in accordance with Phase 2 of the Ontario Soccer Return to Play Guide.

This will provide OPDL License Holders with the option of a Return to Play platform through a modified form of competition between September 2020 and April 2021.

Further details on the 2021 OPDL Competitive Season, scheduled to start on May 2021, will be announced in the coming weeks.

How do I stay connected with Ontario Soccer?

Subscribe to INSIDE THE 18 – Ontario Soccer’s weekly newsletter. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

If you have any questions, please contact Gabriel Assis, Senior Manager, Player Development Program.