IModel The “Integrated Model” (IModel) is an Ontario Soccer approved pilot project for the Central, South, West and East regions of Ontario and with play-in opportunities for competitive level teams from the North. The IModel is designed for boys and girls’ youth competitive level teams (U14-U18) competing in the LTPD “Soccer for Life” pathway and below the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL). The U13 age division is included in the pilot, however, operated in full compliance with Canada Soccer’s Grassroots Standards . The IModel pilot project is administered in partnership with Ontario Soccer, its member District Associations and designated league service providers. IModel pilot project consists of the following regional approved plans; Central Region: 2022 Outdoor (complete), 2023 Outdoor (complete), 2024 Outdoor (complete), 2025 Outdoor (complete) and 2026 Outdoor (final year) District Associations of YRSA, HDSA, ECOSA, DRSA and TO Soccer U13 to U18 South Region (Rush Canada is a member academy) 2024 Outdoor (complete), 2025 Outdoor (complete) and 2026 Outdoor (final year) District Associations of PHSA, HS, NSA U13 (2024), U13/U14 (2025) and U13-U18 (2026) West Region: 2025 Outdoor (complete) and 2026 Outdoor (final year) District Associations of SWS, LKSA, EMSA, ECSA U13 to U18 East Region Pilot In planning District Associations of EODSA and SOSA North Region N/A (eligible competitive teams play into Central or West Region pilots) NOTE: IModel, under the new name, “(Region Name) Integrated Soccer League”, is approved to be fully implemented in Ontario starting with the 2027 Outdoor playing season, thus ending the five-year pilot project. IModel is a league comprised of youth Clubs from the four regions’ District Associations. The IModel Rules and Regulations, shown below and updated annually, governs and manages league play year-to-year. The IModel league is open to any properly registered Club in good standing as defined by the District Association they are registered. The new IModel player and competition concept is innovative and will provide new development opportunities within the LTPD “Soccer 4 life” youth boys and girls District and Regional level competitive streams. The intention is to integrate stakeholders and existing competitive structures, with the goal to unify the soccer community and continue moving the game forward by introducing modern solutions and concepts that addresses a number of challenges such as; length of season, self-determination, adequate level of competition, seasonal periodization, promotion & relegation, affordability etc. The IModel drivers are a combination of league criteria and player readiness, with the vision to equally serve all members, allowing even the smallest organization the possibility of being placed at the adequate competitive level based on merit (real-time assessment during the start of the season “Qualification Phase” to advance to either C1 or C2 play) thus eliminating the outdated past model of promotion and relegation. The framework features suitable long-term player development principles from Canada Soccer and takes into consideration the player stage of development (readiness). The IModel pilot serves as a test of the model where we will gather data enabling us to make any changes that are necessary to improve the concept. The IModel and its dynamics combine essential development elements like; mental preparation, goal setting and learn how to cope with competition while players continue to acquire more advance skills. The variety of the competitive conditions will give these players an equitable opportunity to develop, which will contribute immensely to best prepare their next steps. The concept also takes into consideration the importance for our youth players (U13 to U18) to have a good balance between family, sports and education. The recommendation of 3:1 training to game ratio will allow proper recovery between matches and takes into account how travel impacts behavior. The Provincial Champions Showcase Weekend features Competitive 1 (C1) level IModel teams who are winners from their respective regions, travel (one time) to the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Ontario in the late Fall. Overall the IModel brings all members together and bridges many gaps giving more relevance to players in the LTPD “Soccer 4 Life stream”. This framework underpins very important principles; affordability fairness, inclusiveness, competitiveness, and affordability with achievable goal setting.

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!