RUSH CANADA NEWS

Niko Brodar Selected to Canada’s U16 National Team

Rush Canada is extremely proud to congratulate Niko Brodar on his selection to the Canada Men’s U16 National Team.

Niko, a 2010-born defender, has been named to Canada’s U16 roster for the upcoming international camp in Santiago, Chile, where Canada will face Chile in two international friendlies on August 20 and August 23.

Niko’s journey is one that we are especially proud to have been part of. Before joining the Toronto FC Academy, Niko competed with Rush Canada’s 2009 Boys OPDL squad, playing a year above his birth year. His talent, determination, passion and desire to improve were evident from the very beginning.

His continued development has now earned him the opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage.

We are incredibly proud of Niko and his family and are honoured to have played a part in his development. From his time in the Rush Canada environment to Toronto FC Academy and now the Canadian Youth National Team, Niko continues to demonstrate what can be achieved through commitment, hard work and a relentless desire to improve.

Congratulations, Niko!

2027 OPDL Youth Trail Dates

By Rob Stirling • August 14, 2026
Rush Canada Soccer Academy is pleased to announce the trial periods for the 2027 OPDL season. Players interested in joining our OPDL program should take note of the following trial windows: 2027 OPDL Trial Periods Phase I — September 1 to October 19, 2026 Designed to identify talented players outside of the current OPDL environment who are looking for an opportunity to compete at the OPDL level. Phase II — October 20, 2026 to February 21, 2027 A period focused on evaluating players within the existing OPDL and Talented Player Pathway environments, while continuing to identify players who may be a strong fit for Rush Canada. Phase III — February 22 to April 3, 2027 The final trial period provides an opportunity for eligible players from any environment to be evaluated for remaining roster positions. U13 – 2014 Birth Year For players born in 2014, the U13 pathway includes an extended open-session period running from August 26, 2026 through April 3/4, 2027. 2027 OPDL Age Groups U13 – 2014 U14 – 2013 U15 – 2012 U16 – 2011 U17 – 2010 Rush Canada is committed to providing opportunities for talented players from all soccer environments, including those who have not previously participated in OPDL. Rush Canada’s specific trial dates & locations will be provided by the coaches once you have completed your youth trial registration form found throughout our Website. Take your next step. Challenge yourself. Earn your place.

2027 Youth Trails Starting Soon

By Rob Stirling • July 29, 2026
The countdown to the 2027 Youth Soccer Trials is on! While final trial dates and schedules are still being confirmed, most age groups are expected to begin in mid-August. We encourage all players and families interested in joining Rush Canada Soccer Academy to stay informed as announcements will be made over the coming weeks. Be sure to keep a close eye on: Our Website Our Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels As soon as trial dates, times, and locations are finalized, they will be posted across all of our communication platforms. Complete Your Youth Trial Form Today If you are interested in attending our 2027 Youth Trials, we strongly encourage you to complete the Youth Trial Registration Form as soon as possible. The form is available: On the home page of our website Throughout our website Via links on our social media platforms Submitting the form ensures you receive the latest trial information, updates, and important communications as they become available. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new players to Rush Canada Soccer Academy for another exciting season. Stay tuned—more details are coming soon!

Rush Canada Named OPDL Coach of the Month

By Rob Stirling • July 28, 2026
Rush Canada's Coach Cris named OPDL Coach of the Month for June 2026 Rush Canada Soccer Academy is proud to congratulate Cristian Bogdan, Head Coach of our Girls U15 OPDL team, on being recognized as the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) Coach of the Month for June. This well-deserved recognition reflects Cristian's outstanding leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the development of every player in his program. Throughout the month of June, his dedication to creating a positive, challenging, and player-centred environment helped guide the Girls U15 squad through an excellent stretch of performances while continuing to foster both individual growth and team success. Cristian's coaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, tactical understanding, and character development, ensuring that every player is supported both on and off the field. His passion for the game, attention to detail, and commitment to helping young athletes reach their full potential embody the values of Rush Canada Soccer Academy and the OPDL. Awards such as this are a testament not only to Cristian's hard work but also to the collective commitment of our players, coaching staff, and families who contribute to the positive culture within our Girls U15 program. Congratulations, Cristian, on this outstanding achievement. We are incredibly proud to have you as part of the Rush Canada family and wish you and the Girls U15 team continued success throughout the remainder of the season! Congratulations once again on being named the OPDL Coach of the Month for June!
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