The OSA News Bulletin  

We want to meet with you to discuss the progress that has been made in some Districts, and also explain the planned next steps in the process. While we have tried to provide a lot of information to you over the past 18 months, we recognize that these updates have not always reached everyone, so it is timely that we consult with you and get your feedback. We know there are still questions and concerns, and we’ll do our best to provide the answers that we have at this point.

It’s important to remind everyone that standing still is not an option. LTPD has been proven extremely successful in the international soccer world. It is strongly supported by research, by science and by top players and coaches around the world and in Canada. In addition, LTPD has been mandated by the Canadian Soccer Association, as part of an initiative launched by the Federal Government and Canadian Sport for Life.

From an Ontario perspective, the question is not whether we do this, but how we can implement LTPD in a way that is best for the development of all our young players, while also recognizing the needs of our Districts, Clubs, Leagues, coaches and referees.

As we look out over the next 6 to 8 years and project how phasing-in LTPD will impact our sport, we need to continually assess our Recreation and Development matrices. Our Technical Advisory Council (TAC) has been working diligently to research best practices around the world and how LTPD can be made to work here in Ontario. The new Ontario Player Development League (OPDL)—with a focus on high Technical standards — while only one component of LTPD in the province, is nonetheless an important aspect of what we are doing. With that in mind, we will provide an update during the meetings on the revised talented player pathway and also discuss and analyze planned changes to the Competition and League structure that will occur in 2014.

We hope many of our coaches will attend the upcoming sessions, along with other District and Club leaders—Presidents, Board members, administrators, Club Head Coaches and of course Technical Directors. By all means pass this invitation along to your parents, so we can share this information with as many people as possible.

While it’s not possible to visit every one of our 21 Districts and 700 Clubs, we have attempted to locate these sessions such that we can draw from the entire region wherever possible. Please register with the host District / Club no later than 3 days in advance of the session you plan to attend.

Change is a challenge for all of us, but we’ve seen some very good things happening already. We look forward to meeting with everyone, sharing our plans and hearing your thoughts. Together, we can work through all that lies ahead, and do what is right for our youngsters—and keep them in the game.