In 2019, the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors launched several working groups. One such group, the “DP/ ORA Working Group” includes members of the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors, Senior Management and representatives from the District Presidents Forum and Academies. The assigned task is to develop a plan to realize the objective of integrating Clubs and Academies within the membership and competition structure of Ontario Soccer.
The Working Group and sub-groups have met over the last 12 months and have developed a new and innovative approach within the LTPD “Soccer4Life” pathway. The Working Group recommended and the Board and the District Presidents supported the running of a "pilot project" in 2021.
The pilot project is currently being referred to as the IModel (Integrated Model). The IModel underpins very important principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and competitiveness, and will enhance player development at both the regional and district levels of competition.
Since the start of planning back in 2019, the onset of the global pandemic in 2020 has had and will continue to have a very considerable impact on soccer in Ontario. As a result, the Working Group, felt for a number of reasons to recommend that the planned "pilot program" for 2021 be postponed to 2022. The Ontario Soccer Board of Directors agreed with the recommendation and asked that the group continue its work until the pilot will proceed. The Working Group will continue their planning work including discussions with the membership impacted by the IModel.
In order to ensure everyone has a place to play, ORA teams will participate in their registered District Leagues or, if qualified, in an Academy Division for top tier academies that will be managed on behalf of Ontario Soccer by the Peel Halton District Soccer Association (PHSA). The Academy Division will only run in 2021 as we will then commence transitioning to the IModel pilot project in 2022.
Ontario Soccer will continue to update the membership as further key developments unfold.
If you have any questions, please contact Gabriel Assis, Sr. Manager, Player Development Program.