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.
U13 - U17 OPDL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
Please click here to view the OPDL Trial Guidelines (2026-2027).
Phase 1 – Players Outside the Talented Pathway Only
Objective: Identify Players from outside OPDL Environments
- Activity: Open Trials and Invitation Only Trials
- Period: September 1 to October 20, 2026
To register for Phase 1 Trials please click here. Once you are registered you will then be notified which training sessions you will be invited to attend. Phase 1 trials will take place within the current OPDL training environment. At the end of your Phase 1 trial, you will ne notified of your next steps.
Phase 2 – Players within the Talented Player Pathway
Objective: Select Full-Time Players
- Activity: Open Trials and Invitation Only Trials
- Period: October 20, 2026 to February 21, 2027
Phase 3 – Any Player
- Activity: Open Trials and Invitation Only Trials
- Period: February 22 to April 3, 2027
Open Trials
- An open trial is open to players who desire an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to participate within an OPDL License Holder environment and is eligible to play for the designated roster.
- OPDL Players are eligible to participate in Trials during Phase II and III
- In order to provide a more responsible evaluation process, no more than 35 players are allowed at each open trial.
- A player must have the opportunity to attend a minimum of three Open Trials before a final decision is made on that player.
- Players may attend more than one open trial simultaneously with different OPDL License Holders.
Note: A player that has signed a 2026 OPDL Player Commitment Letter is not eligible to trial or attend Open Sessions with another OPDL License Holder.
Invitation Only Trials
- After conducting open trials, invitation only trials can occur at any time in accordance with the stipulated timelines.
- An invitation only trial involves the interested OPDL License Holder contacting and asking for only specific players to return for further trials.
- No player shall undertake more than one invitation-only trial at a time.
- A player may attend a new invitation-only trial once an existing invitation-only trial has been completed. A player may attend a different invitation-only trial once the License Holder of the existing trial have been informed in writing that the player wishes to terminate that trial or the trial has been concluded, in writing, by the License Holder.
2026 – 2027 Trial Dates
The following details The Oakville Soccer Club’s 2027 OPDL Trial Process for existing OPDL Players as well as Non-OPDL players. All registered players will have several opportunities to be evaluated starting in August 2026. The OPDL has detailed the Trial Process and provided specific guidelines, focused on player identification, and enhanced player experience. The trial process will be divided into three Phases, as outlined above.
Special Notes:
- Please note pre-registration for the OPDL Open Trials is required.
- Players SHOULD attend a minimum of three (3) Open Trials in order to be considered for the OPDL Team.
Online Pre-Registration Procedures
1. Click on the Registration button below.
2. Complete the registration process by filling in all required information and paying the trial fee.
New Incoming U13 Age Group (Born in 2014)
Open Trials for all players born in 2014
Objective: Identify incoming players born in 2014.
- Activity: Open Sessions
- Period: August 26th, 2026 – April 4th, 2027
- Please click here to view the trial times/locations.
Phase 1 – Players outside the Talented Player Pathway only
Objective: Identify players outside OPDL environments
- Activity: Open Trials and Invitation Only Trials
- Period: September 2nd to October 20th, 2026
Phase 1 Trial Information U14-U17
Please click here to view dates/times/locations for the U14-U17 Trials.
Click here for OPDL Trial Permission Form – REQUIRED for 2026 OPDL Registrants.
Quick FAQs
How does a player join OSC’s Competitive Program (U13+ OPDL/RDP/ADP Rep teams)? OSC’s formal assessments are held annually in the Fall at the conclusion of the summer season. Assessment schedules are posted below and are open to all players. All current OSC OPDL/RDP/ADP players are required to register for and complete the tryout process.
How do I register a player for assessments?
Registration must be done online. Existing players can log into their registration account here. Non-OSC players can create an account here. *Please note – it is imperative that you check the email address linked to your registration account at the time of registration. All communication will be sent to the email address associated with your registration account.
For more information on the upcoming assessments, please click on the FAQ document button below.
If you have additional questions after review, please contact Carl Horton, Director of Competitive Programs at chorton@oakvillesoccer.ca.
Registration is now open. Please click below to sign up!
Program Outlines
Coaches
Learn more about OSC’s Technical Staff by following the link below.
| 2025 - 2026 Boys Head Coaches | ||
|---|---|---|
| U13 (2013) OPDL | Rocco Rago | rrago@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U14 (2012) OPDL | Ahdom Clarke | aclarke@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U15 (2011) OPDL | Alexandra Abrahams | aabrahams@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U16 (2010) OPDL | Chris Eveleigh | ceveleigh@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| 2025 - 2026 Girls Head Coaches | ||
|---|---|---|
| U13 (2013) OPDL | Zachary Rushe | zrushe@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U14 (2012) OPDL | Zachary Rushe | zrushe@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U15 (2011) OPDL | Bruno Silva | bsilva@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U16 (2010) OPDL | Justin Silveira | jsilveira@oakvillesoccer.ca |
| U17 (2009) OPDL | Dan Zingone | dzingone@oakvillesoccer.ca |
