Ontario Soccer has extended its Play ON! eLearning Series presented by Respect in Sport based on rave reviews by adding three bonus webinar sessions. These sequel sessions are intended to continue to bring together soccer leaders from across the province and beyond and equip all our key stakeholders (Clubs, Academies, Districts, Leagues, administrators, coaches, managers, volunteers, parents, players, officials, etc.) with succinct and relevant insights and practical take-aways for a successful Return to Play, when we are permitted to do so.  

The unpredictable environment sport has been thrust into by the Covid-19 Pandemic has forced community leaders to be nimble and adaptable like never before. To address these unprecedented challenges, the second sequel session to the original Play ON! eLearning Series presented by Respect in Sport on Wednesday, May 12th will introduce a brand-new soccer leader to the audience with a fresh perspective on change management and inclusion.

Ontario Soccer’s new Diversity Officer and Manulife Lead Agile Coach and Program Director Sandra Riberdy will guide us through this webinar on “Embracing Change – How to thrive in the New Normal,” drawing on her more than 20 years’ experience leading strategic programming and transformations in global technology, telecommunication and financial industries. 

As one of Canada’s largest sports organizations, Ontario Soccer recognizes the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and breaking down systemic barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential - be it on the pitch or in the boardroom. In the new role as Diversity Officer, Sandra will spearhead the newly established Operational Committee, the Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Committee, that will report to the Chief Executive Officer’s office and advise the Board of Directors.

She also acts as an advocate for cultural change to include Diversity and Inclusion both in and out of the workplace.  Riberdy is on the Manulife Segment Diversity Equity Inclusion Council, as well as a member of various Employee Resources Groups, including: Global Women Alliance (GWA) and Valuing the Inclusion of Black Experiences (VIBE).

Sandra has also been actively involved in the soccer community as a player and a parent of three with her youngest playing competitively. She is also a member of the Southwest Soccer District Board of Directors. She has a strong passion for coaching and empowering individuals, teams and leaders on business agility, process improvement and change management through mentoring, facilitation, training, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Through that unique lens, she will be inviting some self-reflection from the audience and explore a common conundrum: “Are you someone who likes change or are you someone who runs as far away from change as quickly as possible?” 

Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 Pandemic has been the catalyst for many changes we are currently facing.  Change is inevitable and it can be hard to stay positive during this period of constant flux and uncertainty. Adapting to change requires us to be self-aware and see change as an ongoing opportunity, not as a threat or liability.  To be agile we need to embrace change at every level and keep our values and beliefs in mind to ultimately cultivate a culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust. This shift in our mindset will help us build resilience and be ready to thrive in the new normal.

Ontario Soccer is looking forward to nurturing continued dialogue and collaboration with soccer leaders from every corner of Ontario and all across Canada, as we virtually work hand-in-hand to help soccer back on its feet this summer. So join us for more meaningful learning opportunities and do your part, as we tackle the COVID-19 Pandemic challenge together.

This is your chance to Pitch In. Play ON!