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Ontario Soccer Announces Merger with OSC, Welcomes Four New Board Members at Annual Meeting

By Staff, 09/23/23, 5:00PM EDT

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The 122nd Annual Meeting of the Members, held September 23rd in Toronto, welcomed new Directors to its Board, approved new By-laws and approved the amalgamation of the Soccer Centre (Ontario) and Ontario Soccer.

Play. Inspire. Unite.

The 2023 Annual Meeting of the Members was the 122nd gathering since Ontario Soccer was founded in 1901.

Over the weekend, new By-laws, and the legal amalgamation of the Soccer Centre (Ontario) and Ontario Soccer was approved, and four new members were elected to the Board of Directors.

We are thrilled to announce the amalgamation of the Soccer Centre (Ontario) and Ontario Soccer. This strategic union marks a pivotal moment in our mission to elevate soccer in Ontario,” said Peter Augruso, Chair of the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors. “Together, we are committed to fostering the growth of the sport, empowering communities where everyone is welcome, and nurturing the next generation of soccer talent. This merger strengthens our collective impact on the entire Ontario Soccer community."

As for the Board of Directors, five of 12 positions were up for election leading into the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Members.

The four new faces include Ahsanul Hafiz as the Regional Director West, Tom Walsh as an Independent Director, and David Zbar and Dr. Moriba Baker as Independent Directors.

Seven existing Board members will return to their roles, including Vice Chair Brenda Brown, who was re-elected on Saturday afternoon to serve another term.

The Board of Directors would like to thank Fabio Costante, Gerry Gentile, and John Hyland for their service to the Ontario Soccer community.

"We are thrilled to welcome our newly elected members to the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors. Their diverse perspectives and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our organization as we continue to promote and develop the Beautiful Game in our province,” Augruso said. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Fabio Costante, Gerry Gentile, and John Hyland for their dedicated service on the Board. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we thank them for their unwavering commitment to Ontario Soccer's mission."

In the Ontario Soccer governance structure, the business of Ontario Soccer is conducted by a Board of Directors, composed of 12 elected individuals and one senior executive, the Chief Executive Officer.

The 18 District Soccer Associations, who are the “Voting Members,” are represented by a Voting Members Council. The Council is composed of the President, or designate representing each District Association in Ontario and it submits recommendations to the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer on a number of game related matters.