The 2015 OPDL season has reached the halfway point and the high performance League is producing a higher number of quality players than what was expected. The sixteen clubs are now developing players at the Under 13 and Under 14 age groups for boys and girls. 

The OSA High Performance Staff, eight in total, have been out at the majority of games assessing the players for the screening process for Provincial Teams in October and November. A large number of players will be recommended in as a result of the initial player reports that have been submitted thus far. The goal of the League is to produce as many Ontario players for Canadian National Teams. 

The OSA High Performance Staff are also assessing the OPDL Club Coaching Staffs, the OPDL Club training programs and the OPDL Club grassroots development programs. All three of these areas tie into the big picture of improving the overall development of the OPDL License Holders. This will continue to drive the development of players and coaches to a higher level. The OPDL Club Technical Directors are receiving the feedback and working with the OSA in moving the League to a higher level.

In 2015, as part of the development program and mentoring of Match Official in OPDL, Match Officials Liaisons have been assigned to all OPDL Rounds. Liaisons are assigned to support match officials in the performance of their duties, to provide written and verbal feedback to match officials, District Referee Coordinators and the OSA when requested and to communicate and work with the OPDL Game Day Manager. 

OPDL License Holders have also experienced, for the first time in the League, a home and away concept, allowing clubs to create an engaging conditions for OPDL players and prospect participants. Across the Province, OPDL game days have been a success so far. This is the result of work and dedication by OSA Staff and OPDL License Holders on providing the best game environment for the League. 

As OPDL moves forward next year with the Under 15 age group, the OSA will plan on setting out a strategy for showcasing the players in tournaments that will expose them to University coaches from Canada and the United States. The objective is to provide opportunities for players in the OPDL to move to a higher level of play.

- Gary Miller | OSA Technical Director