Ontario Soccer – Vaughan, ON –  The top soccer athletes in Ontario were in action this weekend as the Ontario Soccer Centre played host to the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Charity Shield. 

Twelve teams, across six divisions, competed for provincial glory as the U-14, U-15 and U-17 OPDL age groups wrapped up their 2018 seasons. 

Scouts from around North America were in attendance all weekend to take in the action. As well, representatives from Canada Soccer were on site to witness the next generations of stars.  

While also an integral opportunity to showcase the immense talent found within the OPDL before fellow OPDL members, scouts and families, the Charity Shield raises money for Ontario charities.

Every dollar accumulated through the $5 admission rate is donated to Ontario charities, as chosen by the winning teams in each match. 

Last year, over $5,000 was raised and was donated to charities across Ontario, as chosen by the OPDL Charity Shield winning teams. 

This year, upwards of $7,500 was raised for Ontario charities. The Canadian Cancer Society, Kids Help Phone, the Canadian Liver Foundation and Ronald McDonald House will all receive a portion of the proceeds, to be presented by the winning teams. 

 

Match recaps, full video, photos and highlights are available to media through the links below 

United FA held off Woodbridge to win the U-14 Girls OPDL Charity Shield 

Woodbridge Strikers won the U-14 Boys OPDL Charity Shield in a penalty thriller 

Ottawa South United dominant in their U-15 Girls OPDL Charity Shield win

North Toronto SC edge Unionville-Milliken SC to win U-15 Boys OPDL Charity Shield 

North Toronto SC win grudge match to claim U-17 Girls OPDL Charity Shield

Toronto FC Academy hold on to win U-17 OPDL Charity Shield 

 

About Ontario Soccer

Founded in 1901, Ontario Soccer is the largest provincial sports organization in Canada. Its members include more than 650 Clubs servicing over 24,000 teams with 380,000 registered players, 70,000 coaches and managers, and 10,000 match officials. 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 membership, partners and other stakeholders. Ontario Soccer also operates League1 Ontario, a provincial professional-amateur men’s and women’s league as well as the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL).

 

Media Contact 

Ben Rycroft | Communications Manager | Ontario Soccer | brycroft@ontariosoccer.net | 905-264-9390 x 255