Ontario PlayerDevelopmentLeague
The Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) is one of the province’s first standards-based, youth high-performance league that combines top level competition with strict high-performance training standards. This innovative and exciting youth high-performance program is an important component of the overall movement to adopt the core principles of Long Term Player Development (LTPD) across soccer at large in Ontario and Canada. OPDL encompasses the U13 to U17 age categories, for both males and females.
OPDL represents young players’ early graduation to a genuine, high-performance training environment, targeting the top athletes in the province from age groups U13 to U17, constituting the highest level of competitive youth soccer in Ontario. OPDL operates more as a high-performance training program than merely a league. The program’s key objective is to foster the growth of players across the four key corners of player development.
The program emphasizes The Four Corner LTPD Model, consisting of:
Technical Development
Emphasizing a focus on improving individual skills such as ball control, passing, dribbling, shooting, and defending. Tactical understanding is another crucial aspect addressed in the program. Players are exposed to various game situations and strategies to enhance their decision-making abilities and overall game intelligence. Through drills and exercises, players learn about positioning, movement off the ball, team formations, and systems of play.
Psychological
Creating engaging learning environments is crucial for developing future players. Coaches will adapt their coaching styles to meet individual needs and recognize diverse learning approaches. This will be implemented by using varied communication methods like visuals, auditory discussions, and physical demonstrations. Players will be encouraged to problem-solve, which will enhance decision-making skills.
Physical Conditioning
Physical conditioning and athleticism receive significant attention as well. The program includes age-appropriate fitness training to enhance players’ speed, agility, strength, and endurance. This aspect is crucial for developing well-rounded athletes capable of performing at their best on the field.
Social/Emotional
Soccer offers children valuable life skills like cooperation, teamwork, communication, and friendship. To nurture social development, coaches should create a positive, welcoming environment and provide encouragement for learning. Tips for social development include praising effort, recognizing improvement, and being a positive role model with aligned values and behavior.
OPDL players are expected to participate in multiple training sessions per week, which provides them with ample opportunities to practice and refine their skills. Competitive matches play a vital role for all OPDL teams. Every team participates in a specific OPDL league, which offers high-level competition against other talented teams. These matches allow players to apply their skills in a competitive environment and learn valuable lessons through gameplay.
The coaching standards in the OPDL program are of utmost importance. All coaches are certified and possess the necessary qualifications and experience to guide players effectively. They are responsible for creating a positive and supportive learning environment that fosters the development and growth of each player.
Coaches
Learn more about OSC’s Technical Staff by following the link below.
| 2024-2025 Boys Head Coaches | ||
|---|---|---|
| U13 (2012) OPDL | Ian Sinclair | isinclair@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U14 (2011) OPDL | Alexandra Abrahams | aabrahams@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U15 (2010) OPDL | Chris Eveleigh | ceveleigh@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U16 (2009) OPDL | Anthony Costa | acosta@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U17 (2008) OPDL | Jody Bryne | jbryne@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| 2024-2025 Girls Head Coaches | ||
|---|---|---|
| U13 (2012) OPDL | Zachary Rushe | zrushe@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U14 (2011) OPDL | Arta Mohasses | amohasses@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U15 (2010) OPDL | Laura Twidle | ltwidle@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U16 (2009) OPDL | Dan Zingone | dzingone@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U17 (2008) OPDL | Justin Silveira | jsilveira@oakvillesoccer.ca |
