Markham is the largest soccer club in the city of Markham and it is a full service soccer provider to the community.

The club offers youth and senior soccer programs at a variety of levels which includes the recreational, competitive and now the elite level.

Club head coach Raffaele Tomarchio answered a few questions on why their club decided to become an OPDL license holder and what their long term plans are for the program.

1) Why did MSC apply for an OPDL License in 2013?

As a full service club it was important for us to provide our membership the Elite Pathway that the OPDL offers.

2) What long-term goals does MSC have with regards to offering the OPDL?

We have a strong commitment to our members regarding being part of the OPDL for the long haul. This is reflected by our overall technical plan that emphasises a strong player and coaching development from the U-8 to U-12 age groups

3) What other benefits do you see within the organization in providing OPDL teams?

The OPDL set the development benchmarks that we need to focus with our programs from U-8 to U-12. It gives players and coaches a concrete goal for the future as part of an elite program.

If you could also give a brief synopsis of what defines MSC as a soccer club and its membership.

Markham SC is a 43 year old club rich on tradition and success. We look at our soccer programs globally, trying to satisfy the needs and demands of our membership for quality programs for all. Our objective is to provide all players that enter our club at U-3 the opportunity to find the most suitable development pathway to fulfill their goals and needs without ever leaving the club. More and more we find parents and senior players that have been with our club since childhood and continue to be part of our club as an adult.

Click here to learn more about Markham Soccer Club.

Click here to learn more about ODPL.