Ontario Soccer – The best of the best were on display this weekend at the Ontario Soccer Centre

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-16 age groups wrapped up the OPDL 2017 season.

“We’re proud of our OPDL License Holders, who continue to do fantastic job in developing Ontario’s athletes,” said Gary Miller, Ontario Soccer Technical Director. “The Ontario Soccer Centre was witness to the best of the best of what this province is developing and the future remains bright for Ontario’s high-performance pathway.”

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

“Thank you to Canada Soccer for representation here this weekend. With Paul Stalteri and Nick Bontis both in attendance, it gave them an inside look at what OPDL is doing to push the game forward in Canada,” said Bryan Rosenfeld, Ontario Soccer Manager of High Performance. “Their observations from the weekend – from the players to the event – were very positive and reinforced for us that we continue to be leaders in this space.”

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 was donated to Ontario charities, as chosen by the winning teams in each match. As well, this year, the OPDL ran a silent auction, where those in attendance and those watching from home could bid on some fantastic prize packs and gear.

Over $5,000 was raised and that money will be donated to charities across Ontario, as chosen by the OPDL Charity Shield winning teams.

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

North Toronto wins the U-14 Girls OPDL Charity Shield

Ottawa South United edge United FA to win the U-15 Girls OPDL Charity Shield 

Hamilton United Elite down West Ottawa to win U-16 Girls OPDL Charity Shield 

North Toronto stage late comeback to win U-14 Boys OPDL Charity Shield 

Toronto FC Academy win the U-15 Boys OPDL Charity Shield 

Vaughan SC win U-16 Boys OPDL Charity Shield in penalty thriller

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 25