The Ontario Soccer Association is pleased to announce that Gerry Dobson, a long-time Canadian soccer broadcaster, will receive the OSA President’s Award this Saturday night, as part of the Annual General Meeting weekend events.

Dobson, who recently announced his retirement after 18 years with Sportsnet, has established himself as one of the leading soccer broadcasters in the country as the host of Sportsnet’s top soccer properties. Dobson has hosted a variety of studio shows for Sportsnet including Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup coverage. An integral part of Sportsnet’s live soccer broadcasts, Dobson has served as play-by-play voice for Major League Soccer, Canadian National Team games and CONCACAF.

In 2012, Dobson was the recipient of the Brian Budd Award from the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame, recognizing those who show outstanding dedication, achievements and leadership in developing soccer in Canada.

Eleven other individuals and two clubs will be honoured at the OSA Annual Awards Reception Saturday night at the Sheraton Toronto Airport and Conference Centre.

In addition to the awards night on Saturday, the Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday and will include the Board of Directors elections.

This year’s vote will include the President’s position, which is being contested by current OSA President Ron Smale and Toronto Soccer Association President Bill Spiers.

Also up for election will be the Treasurer position, which is being contested by Michael Saniga from Peel Halton Soccer Association and Paul Atkins from Huronia District Soccer Association.

Joe Camacho (Southwest Regional) and Peter Augruso (Soccer Northwest) are running unopposed for the two Directors-at-Large positions. Ten board member positions will also be elected unopposed and are: Brenda Brown (Durham Region SA), John Dutot (Elgin Middlesex SA), Mladen Moric (Esssex County SA), Alan O’Brien (Niagara SA), Mandy Aparicio (North York SA), William Hay (Peel Halton SA), Clive Wilkinson (Sault Amateur SA), Sean Severin (Soccer Northeastern Ontario), Mark Ethier (Southeast Ontario SA) and Tony Barbieri (York Region SA.)

The board of directors will also vote on two key amendments to the constitution.

The first amendment aims to provide more voting equity amongst all districts associations.

The second amendment aims to change the length of term for 2016 board electees from a two year term, to a one year term.

Click here if you would like to purchase tickets to the OSA Annual Awards Reception.