Following Ontario Soccer’s last communication of October 30, 2020 on the IModel Pilot Project (Information Bulletin I2020-114) I am writing to update you on the progress, which is scheduled to launch in 2022 in the Central Region. The purpose of the IModel is to provide the best playing experience for competitive youth ages at the District and Regional Levels and enable all teams to compete at an appropriate level.

The “District Presidents Forum (DPF) / Ontario Registered Academies (ORA) Working Group” continues to meet to assess and evaluate the IModel and to review the work of the Pilot Project Planning Group.

Ontario Soccer has also signed a Letter of Agreement with the Central Soccer League (CSL) to operate the Regional and Championship levels of the IModel in 2022. 

Central Region District Associations will operate the “Development Season” (District League) the CSL will operate the “Conference Season” (Regional), and the “Championship Season” (Championships) on behalf of Ontario Soccer.  

The Pilot Project Planning Group is made up of District, CSL and Ontario Soccer representatives, including members of the Technical Advisory Committee. The Pilot Project Planning Group is tasked with ensuring the IModel Pilot runs successfully and is on time and on budget.

The DPF/ORA Working Group will continue to oversee the work and recommendations from the Pilot Project Planning Group and once the model is finalized, including costs, Ontario Soccer will commit to holding “town hall” virtual meetings for Clubs and Academies in the “pilot group” from the Central Region.  Additional virtual information meetings can be scheduled as requested by other Regions.

Ontario Soccer and the DPF/ORA Working Group are excited to have developed a new and innovative approach within the LTPD “Soccer4Life” pathway and welcome the participation of the Central Region District Association Clubs and Academies and the CSL.

The IModel underpins very important principles of fairness, inclusiveness, and competitiveness, and will enhance player development at both the Regional and District levels for youth competitive soccer.

Ontario Soccer will continue to update the membership as further key developments unfold. If you have any questions, please contact Gabriel Assis, Sr. Manager, Coach Education, Player Development & Club Licensing.