Vaughan, Ontario – Ontario Soccer is proud to unveil “The Soccer Summit 2026” scheduled to take place in Toronto at York University, February 20-22, 2026. This represents a bold reimagining of its flagship event, formerly known as the “Ontario Soccer Summit”. Originally founded in 2016, the Summit has inspired and united soccer communities across Ontario and has gradually increased its reach and appeal beyond provincial borders. Launching on the 10th anniversary of the original event, this new national platform is the only one of its kind in Canada—designed to unite, elevate and empower the sport from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
With the theme “Canada United: Building a Soccer Nation,” The Soccer Summit 2026 will bring together grassroots leaders, professional clubs and national stakeholders for three full days of learning and networking to strengthen the game at every level. The event aligns well with the momentum of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where the world will come to Canada and in turn allow soccer leaders to grow the game, empower communities and inspire the next generation of leaders in sport.
“We are very pleased how The Soccer Summit concept has evolved over the past decade, growing into a premier soccer conference for Coaches, Match Officials, Administrators and Business leaders, continuously attracting new delegates from across Canada”, says Johnny Misley, Ontario Soccer Chief Executive Officer. “What better time to take this conference national and further unite our country, than in 2026.”
Ontario Soccer is also proud to announce O’Neills Sportswear as the Lead Presenting Partner of The Soccer Summit 2026. As a returning partner, O’Neills continues to demonstrate its deep commitment to the growth of soccer in Canada. Their support reflects a shared vision of innovation, inclusion and community-building through sport.
“Partnering with Ontario Soccer proved to be the ideal launchpad for our Canadian strategy, and we are thrilled to continue on this journey together,” said Philip Murphy, Manager of Business Development at O’Neills Sportswear. “O’Neills is elated to join forces with Ontario Soccer—two brands rich in history and committed to moving soccer forward for the benefit of all participants, from grassroots to the highest levels of the Talented Pathway.”
What is new about “The Soccer Summit 2026” 2.0?
- A New Brand Identity: Featuring a refreshed logo and visual identity that reflects the energy and unity of the Canadian soccer community.
- A Celebration Year: Honouring the 125th Anniversary of Ontario Soccer, the GeneratiON26 movement, and the global excitement of FWC26.
- Theme: “Canada United: Building a Soccer Nation”: A rallying cry to connect grassroots, professional, and national efforts in a shared vision for the future of soccer in Canada.
- Expanded Partner Showcase: Over 30 vendors from across diverse sectors including sport, tech and wellness.
- Redesigned Keynote Experience: A fully transformed event space, to deliver a more professionally produced, dynamic, immersive keynote “show.”
- Extended Weekend Format: Now spanning Thursday to Sunday, including:
- Thursday leadership think tank (exclusive to invited sport executives)
- Thursday workshops for coaches, match officials and administrators
- Full-day Friday and Saturday programming
- Half-day Sunday wrap-up
- Sport-agnostic marketing: Broader outreach to leaders across all sports and industries.
- Amplified digital reach: The Soccer Summit 2026 will connect with participants in innovative ways through Ontario Soccer’s newly introduced, cutting-edge MySoccer App powered by BMO.
A National First
As the only summit of its kind in Canada, The Soccer Summit 2026 is more than an event—it’s a movement. It will serve as a national platform to build a soccer nation, uniting voices from every corner of the game to shape the future of soccer in Canada.
Ontario Soccer invites all stakeholders—players, coaches, referees, administrators, partners, and fans—to be part of this historic moment.
Join us. Be part of the legacy. Be part of the future.
For more information and to register, visit: ontariosoccer.net/the-soccer-summit.
About Ontario Soccer
Founded in 1901, Ontario Soccer is currently comprised of more than 500 Clubs servicing over 24,000 teams with 380,000 registered players, 70,000 coaches and managers, and 7,200 match officials, as well as countless volunteers, parents and supporters encompassing a direct, multi-cultural community of over 1,000,000 Ontarians.
Ontario Soccer develops and delivers exceptional and sustainable programs and services throughout Ontario with the mission of providing leadership and support for the advancement of soccer in collaboration and cooperation with our member District Associations and Clubs, partners and other stakeholders. Ontario Soccer owns and operates the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Ontario as well operating the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL); the province’s premier standards-based youth development program, as well as “Team Ontario”, Ontario Soccer’s Provincial Xcel program. Ontario Soccer proudly supports Canada Soccer’s National Teams, the Canadian Premier League, Toronto FC and the new Northern Super League.
The overall objective of Ontario Soccer, as a hub for Coach, Match Official and Player Development, is to be innovators and leaders in sport and to assist with the equitable development of soccer as a healthy lifestyle choice, provide a talented pathway for participants to excel and encourage inclusive community involvement at all levels.
Media Contact(s)
Ben Lungo
Manager, Digital Strategy and Communications
Ontario Soccer
blungo@ontariosoccer.net
905-264-9390 x 255