Since our last communication on Nov. 11, 2021 (Information Bulletin I2021-091), I wanted to update the Ontario Soccer membership further on the IModel Pilot Project, which is launching in 2022 in the Central Region of Ontario.

The objectives of the IModel remain unchanged:

• 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to compete at an appropriate level, while introducing standards, integrating registered academies and replacing an outdated promotion and relegation development model.

Based on the feedback received following 12 townhall meetings and two technical meetings with club technical directors, the IModel was modified to ensure alignment with some key concerns. 

Here are the recent changes:

1. The U17/18 divisions will now form part of the pilot and will commence play early and complete their season by the beginning of August.
2. The other divisions will begin May 25 or earlier, if they have fields, and will be completed by the end of September or October depending on the division. The competitive 1 championship will be played at the Ontario Soccer Centre the first weekend in November and will only involve 2 teams per division.
3. The cost of entering the IModel has been reduced to $600 per team and the deadline to apply is January 31, 2022. 
4. Over 230 teams have shared their intention to participate to date.
5. Canada Soccer has denied CSL’s appeal of our decision and will not to grant them membership status in 2022.
6. There will be no “parallel” regional league play in Central Region for 2022.
7. District placement numbers will be shared by December 24, 2021.

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

Ontario Soccer are excited to be launching the IModel in 2022 and look forward to your feedback as we evaluate the pilot.

For further information regrading the IModel, please visit OntarioSoccer.net/imodel.

Ontario Soccer will continue to update the membership as further key developments unfold.

If you have any further questions, please contact Ontario Soccer.

How do I stay connected to Ontario Soccer?

For further information please refer to the latest bulletins on the COVID-19 Updates page, which has all the latest information from Ontario Soccer, as well as resources for your members. Please consider placing a dedicated link to the COVID-19 Updates on the homepage on your website.

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