For OPDL Registration and Payments - Follow this link

What is OPDL?

The Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) is the highest level of competition in Ontario for players U13 and up. 

Visit the OSA’s OPDL pages for more info (theopdl.com).

OPDL is not just a league. In fact, competition is a relatively small part of it. The league moves the focus from solely trying to win a trophy or avoid relegation, to developing players through a structured blend of high performance training and age appropriate play. In the OPDL, you’ll see mandatory heightened training with sport science and sport medicine components, complimenting regular weekly game play against other top players.

 

OPDL License

Not every club is an OPDL club.  The OPDL is a standard based league and Clubs apply every two years, and have to meet specific standards (Technical, Financial, Facilities, and Operations) in order to be granted an OPDL license.  Whitecaps London, is one of only a few clubs in Ontario that have met these standards.  The OPDL is not for everyone. As the Talented Pathway for players in Ontario, it requires a high level of commitment.

For Players:

• A full time commitment to training and games.
• A commitment to excellence and growth

For Parents:

• Financial and time investment

Why should my child play OPDL?

Why should your child consider the OPDL rather than other alternative development programs?

• Highest level league and best competition in Ontario for U13 and up
• A professional approach to soccer development based on specific standards
• Highly qualified coaches accountable to coaching development standards and regular assessments by the league
• Training based on a specific development curriculum set by the CSA and OSA technical depart
• Medical and Fitness support staff
• Player’s development is monitored and evaluated through the year, based on specific Provincial and National standards
• OPDL players are scouted regularly and provided with the opportunity to be selected for Provincial and National programs

General Information

• OPDL Parent Handbook
• The league runs from May to November with a total of  approx. 20 games**
• East, Central and West Divisions / Home, Away and Neutral Games
• Games are played on the weekends / Most long weekends are off
• 2 week break in the summer

Travel

• As a provincial league, there is an expectation of travel

Training

• From January to April players train indoor at the BMO Centre London
• Player’s assessment (done 3 times per year)
• The Head Coach of each team must have a National B as their minimum accreditation
• Each team has a designated Fitness Trainer and Sport Medicine provider

Training Schedule 

Like other high quality development programs, there are costs associated with the delivery of the program.  Costs are only slightly higher than a regular competitive program given all the components:

• At this time approx. 20 league games**
• Professional coaches
• 3-4 weekly training sessions
• Quality facilities, sport medicine, fitness trainers

The average cost per player, from January to November, is between $3,500 to $4,500** for the year, plus travel expenses

** Can vary by team and is subject to change

Payment Plan

Our club provides OPDL families with a monthly payment plan as well as the opportunity to reduce registration costs through a variety of fundraising programs designed to offset the cost.

For more information please on financial assistance program visit the OPDL site.

https://www.theopdl.com/PageDisplay.aspx?SideMenuID=213