OPDL gets off to strong start in Week 1 with competitions taking place in Kingston (Queen's University) and London (Western University).

Despite some less than ideal weather conditions over the weekend, the OPDL got off to a flying start with competitions taking place in Kingston (Queen's University) and London (Western University). As the OPDL is a U-13 development league, scores were not recorded or published but those in attendance and those on social media raved at the quality of play that was on display. Click here to read the Mirco Schroff, Technical Director of the Talented Pathway, key message on OPDL structure. This weekend, in the Western Conference games will move to McMaster University in Hamilton. And in the East, games will once again take place on the Queen's University campus. OSA staff will once again be on site doing evaluations. Click here to read an overview of the Talented Pathway. Click here to see the OPDL schedule. Click here to view photos from the weekend. Canadian World Cup host city websites go live A new website has been launched for fans looking for information, photos, and videos on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 and Women’s U-20 World Cup Canada 2014. This website will be a useful tool and local information source for supporters of the beautiful game across Ontario and Canada. Additionally, it will showcase our community to visitors from around the globe. Click here to pick a city and learn more about the tournaments, find soccer news, and get ready for the largest women’s sporting events in the world.

Ontario provincial teams have good weekend The Ontario U-14 Boys team finished with two wins and a tie over the weekend. Ontario had a strong weekend in provincial action. The U-14, U-15 and U-16 boys and girls teams took on teams from Quebec and came away with a dominant performance, finishing with a combined record of 10 wins, seven ties and just one loss. Canada’s U-17 Men’s head coach Sean Flemming and Canada’s U-17 Women’s team head coach Beverly Priestman were both in attendance to scout the talent from the two provinces. For Ontario, 22 players were selected for the provincial squads. Since January, 400 players from both genders and three age groups were screened in the selection process. Azzurri open new fieldhouse for youth After 12 years of hard work, the Azzurri cut the opening ribbon on their Sports Youth Village Fieldhouse. The Azzurri Soccer Club, in partnership with the City of Toronto has developed and will operate a community based soccer/sports complex to benefit youth through skills development, health and fitness. After 12 years of hard work, fundraising and sponsorship contributions, the Azzurri cut the ribbon on their 5,000 square foot fieldhouse last week. Click here to hear a recent CBC interview with Azzurri Chairman Bob Iarusci on what their LiUNA facility is all about. Click here to read more about the fieldhouse. West Hamilton Youth SC receives Club Excellence Bronze In attendance for the presentation were: Shailyn McGowan, Sharlene Louden, John Gibson, Sally Luke, Ken Sills, Moya DiPietro, James Wadsley, Ron Smale, Grant Thomas, Cathy Koop, Kosta Stavropoulos and Dave Tapajna OSA President Ron Smale recently presented Ken Sills, President West Hamilton Youth SC with their Bronze Club Excellence Award. The Hamilton and District Soccer Association Club has worked very hard to provide an LTPD compliant environment for its members. Incorporate in 1980, the club has grown to a steady membership of 700 registrants. Click here to learn more about the Club Excellence program. Top level futsal on display in Kingston The inaugural Futsal Canada National Invitational was played a Queen's University in Kingston over the weekend. Two divisions competed for the titles, a varsity boys division made up of U-18 and U-16 teams and a men's division. Teams from Ontario and Quebec competed in the tournament and put on fantastic displays of talent in a sport that is beginning to take root in Canada. Click here to read more about the tournament and the winners. Click here to watch the OSA video on Futsal in Ontario. SAAC academies commit to senior soccer in Ontario Five SAAC members will have a presence in the top senior amateur leagues in the province as the Ontario Soccer League and Ontario Women's Soccer League kick off next month. All five academies will also have teams in the SAAC U20 Male division. These organizations, along with others across Ontario, are showing a commitment to provide a full development pathway for their players. Click here to read more about the SAAC teams involved. Lombardi appointed to CSA Regional Excel post The Canadian Soccer Association announced this week that OSA's Joey Lombardi had been appointed to the position of Regional Excel Talent Manager - East. Lombardi brings a wealth of experience to the position, specifically with Talent Player and Coach Development, following on his role with the OSA as a Technical Performance Manager. Lombardi has also been involved in the new Women's Excel System as a Technical Assistant and Performance Analyst. With his passion, experience and connections across Canada, it is certain Lombardi will excel in his new role. Click here to learn more about Joey Lombardi. Click here to see job opportunities at the OSA and in Ontario soccer. Talented Pathway player recommendations due May 30 Do you have a player at your club that is a true standout and would benefit from being in the Talented Pathway? Coaches are encouraged to recommend these players to the OSA for inclusion. Recommendations are due by May 30. Coaches in non-OPDL clubs and ORNCA organizations should consult the following resources when recommending U-13 players. Click here to read the documents. The chase for the Voyageurs Cup continues Wednesday The Amway Canadian Championships for the Voyageurs Cup continues Wednesday with Toronto FC taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps in Toronto at BMO Field and FC Edmonton traveling to Montreal to take on the Impact at Stade Saputo. Both games will potentially involved a number of players who came through the Ontario system. Click here to learn more about the Voyageurs Cup.