Winning squads from the 2024 Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Gary Miller Charity Shield donated event proceeds to SickKids, Canadian Cancer Society, Kids Help Phone, and Canadian Tire Jumpstart.
Woodbridge SC, North Toronto Nitros, and High Park FC present a combined cheque from the 2024 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield to SickKids.
As Ontario Soccer celebrates a decade of the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL), we reflect on the incredible generosity and community impact shown by our teams throughout the off-season. Following the 2024 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield, winning teams presented their donations directly to their chosen charities, highlighting the event’s ongoing commitment to making a difference.
The 2024 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield, held in Vaughan on October 26 and 27, saw eight thrilling matches across the U14, U15, U16 and U17 Boys’ and Girls’ divisions. This year marked a milestone shift in fundraising, with SickKids selected as the first-ever central charity, receiving 50 per cent of the total funds raised. This new structure allowed for both a collective effort in fundraising and individual team-driven impact.
With record-breaking attendance and engagement, the 2024 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield raised an impressive $21,970.79 for Ontario charities.
The cheque presentation to SickKids took place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, with representatives from Woodbridge, North Toronto SC, and High Park FC delivering the donation in person. Players, coaches, and club officials came together to celebrate the impact of their fundraising efforts, meeting SickKids representatives and learning more about how their contributions will help revolutionize pediatric care.
With the OPDL celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, excitement is building for another landmark season. The momentum of #OPDL10 will culminate in the 2025 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield, promising another opportunity to showcase excellence both on and off the field.
A special thank you to all teams, staff, Match Officials, families, and fans who made the 2024 OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield a success. Your generosity and commitment to giving back are what make this event so special. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Since its inception in 2015, the OPDL Gary Miller Charity Shield has raised over $86,000 for Ontario charities, demonstrating Ontario Soccer’s commitment to corporate social responsibility. By combining competition with community giving, the event continues to inspire players to make a lasting difference beyond the pitch.
“Supporting a central charity while maintaining team choice empowers our community to come together for a greater cause,” said Johnny Misley, CEO of Ontario Soccer. “We are thrilled to have SickKids as our first central charity and look forward to growing our impact in the years to come.”