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Ontario Player Development League (U13-U17)


The Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) is a standards-based, youth high-performance league that combines top level competition with strict high-performance training and coaching 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) in Ontario and Canada. OPDL encompasses the U-13 to U-17 age categories, for both boys and girls.


OPDL represents young players’ early graduation to a genuine, high-performance training environment, targeting the top athletes in the province from age groups U-13 to U-17, constituting the highest level of competitive youth soccer in Ontario. OPDL requires license holders to provide a high-performance training program opposed to just offering another league to play in. The program’s key objective is to foster the growth of players across the four pillars of player development and offer an entry point into the provincial and national programs.

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.

Players interested in becoming part of Rush Canada’s OPDL program should complete the trial form found below and one of our coaches will contact you with specific details. Trial periods are available throughout the year however the following dates are important to better understand who and when players are able to trial for OPDL teams for a season ahead.

  • Phase 1 usually starts in September and ends in late October - Open to players who do not presently play in the OPDL.
  • Phase 2 usually starts in late October and ends in February - Open to OPDL players who are considering other options.
  • Phase 3 begins in February and continues into early April - Open to all who have not committed to an OPDL team.


Between April and September we accept Trial requests for youth players as long as they have not committed to another program or they have obtained a release letter from their club or academy.


Rush Canada OPDL Trial Request > Ontario Soccer - OPDL >
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