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Leadership and Legacy: 2025 Ontario Soccer Summit Recap

By Staff, 03/03/25, 12:15PM EST

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Co-hosted by the Niagara Soccer Association and presented by O’Neills Sportswear and Respect in Sport, the 2025 Ontario Soccer Summit embodied this year’s theme of Leadership and Legacy, delivering an unforgettable weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Play. Inspire. Unite.

Co-hosted by the Niagara Soccer Association and presented by O’Neills Sportswear and Respect in Sport, the 2025 Ontario Soccer Summit embodied this year’s theme of Leadership and Legacy, delivering an unforgettable weekend of learning, networking, and inspiration.  

From February 28-March 2, attendees gathered in the Niagara region, a vibrant and scenic destination that provided the perfect backdrop for soccer leaders from across the province to congregate and connect. 

Together, these venues provided an optimal setting for both educational sessions and on-field demonstrations. 

The 2025 Ontario Soccer Summit featured an incredible lineup of keynote speakers who captivated audiences with their unique perspectives and experiences: 

  • Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons energized the crowd with his infectious enthusiasm and motivational storytelling. 
  • Casey Stoney offered a deeply personal and vulnerable look into her journey, resonating with attendees on a profound level. 
  • Mike Chu had the entire audience on their feet, incorporating movement and interaction into his engaging session, striking the perfect balance between inspiration and practical insight.

Beyond the keynote addresses, Jesse Marsch drew standing-room-only crowds with his highly anticipated sessions on Canada’s New DNA, a topic that sparked meaningful discussions about the future of soccer development in the country. 

With over 700 delegates and dozens of expert speakers, this year’s Summit catered to every sector of the soccer world. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, from club best practices to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as player and match official development. The event also saw record participation from industry partners, reinforcing Ontario Soccer’s commitment to growing the game at every level. 

The Summit concluded on a high note with an insightful panel discussion titled “2026 - Are We Ready?”, where panelists explored the impact and opportunities of hosting the FIFA World Cup on home soil, leaving attendees with much to think about as the country prepares for this historic event. 

Ontario Soccer extends a heartfelt thank you
to our partners for their unwavering support,
and to the delegates whose enthusiasm and engagement made this weekend one to remember.
 
 
LOOKING AHEAD

While the location for the 2026 Ontario Soccer Summit remains under wraps, one thing is certain: Ontario Soccer continues to raise the bar with each passing year. Stay tuned for updates on next year’s host city and be sure to follow Ontario Soccer’s social media channels to relive all the best moments from this year’s event. 


Help us keep the conversation going with #OntarioSoccerSummit and #OSS25

Missed out on the 2025 Summit? Select sessions were recorded and will be made available in the coming weeks.

PHOTO ALBUMS

RE-LIVE THE SUMMIT