As many of you know, the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors has devoted a great deal of time and work since 2013 to move forward with the process of modernizing our governance structure. This is an important step for the future of our game and Ontario Soccer.

A new, smaller and more efficient Board will be elected at the Annual General Meeting on October 14, 2018.  The nomination system now in place required that individuals interested in seeking a position on the Board put their name forward via an “expression of interest” that had to be submitted to the Nominations Committee by July 25, 2018.  On August 13, 2018, the names of those who are eligible to seek nomination will be made public on the Ontario Soccer website.  

The intent of the new board structure was to ensure that going forward the Board will be filled with different voices — dedicated individuals who will bring skills and competencies that were not always in place over the years in our previous District-driven governance structure. 

It will now be up to the membership to select and nominate individuals with the skills, the expertise and commitment to do the things that need to be done. Leadership change now is not only important, it is absolutely necessary.

When the governance process began in earnest in 2013, I said publicly that when an updated structure was ultimately achieved, I would step aside as President.

And that time has come. 

I determined over a year ago that I had to follow my convictions and also be true to what I said I would do in 2013.

So I am announcing today that I will not be seeking another term as President of Ontario Soccer and I will step down from my role and responsibility effective the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting, currently scheduled for October 14, 2018.

It has been a distinct honour to serve you – the Ontario Soccer membership. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to connect and engage with so many people in every part of the province — staff, parents, volunteers, coaches, athletes, match officials, administrators and countless individuals at the Club, Academy, League and District levels. 

To everyone who has helped, supported me and worked to make this game even better, I thank you very much. I cherish our friendships and those relationships.

While I have appreciated the opportunity to lead the organization at the Board level, it’s important that I also respect the fact that the intent of “governance modernization” was never to have the “same old crew” — myself included — on the Ontario Soccer Board of Directors.

That would be simply maintaining the status quo and that would certainly not be progress.

In the weeks to come, I will be sharing some reflections based on what I have experienced and witnessed in my time with Ontario Soccer in the hopes that members can benefit as they prepare to move the game forward.

Thanks to all.

Ron Smale