Rush Canada Named OPDL Coach of the Month

Coaching Announcement

By Rob Stirling • October 9, 2026

Rush Canada appoints Coach Christos as Head Coach for the 2027 Girls U17 (2010) OPDL Squad Christos Angelou joins Rush Canada with a wealth of experience and we couldn't be happier with his decision. We expect a few more announcements in the coming months where his role will likely expand within the OPL as well as OPDL. His credentials include; CURRENTLY BEING EDUCATED THROUGH THE RAYMOND VERHHEIJEN ONLINE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (2026) CONCACAF NATIONAL A DIPLOMA - Obtained July 22nd, 2026 UEFA B LICENSE - Obtained September 4th, 2026 TECHNICAL DIRECTOR DIPLOMA - Obtained October 2021, and currently in renewal course SAFE SPORT TRAINING – September 6th, 2026 GENDER EQUITY LENS – September 7th, 2026 UEFA C LICENSE with The Football Association of Wales – Obtained February 27th, 2026 UEFA C CERTIFICATE with The Football Association of Wales – Obtained February 13th 2025 NATIONAL B LICENSE – Obtained July 1, 2022 NATIONAL YOUTH LICENSE - Obtained June 2021 NCCP EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN - Completed May 10, 2021 CORE TRAINING FOR COACH EVALUATORS - Completed September 30th, 2020 THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS, LEARNING TO DEBRIEF, & ACTION PLANNING – Completed September 30, 2020 SOCCER FITNESS TRAINER DIPLOMA Part 1 - Obtained September 2022 CORE TRAINING FOR LEARNING FACILITATORS - Completed February 12, 2020 MENTORSHIP COURSE - Completed December 14, 2019 NATIONAL B LICENSE Part 1 - Obtained September 18th, 2019 RESPECT IN SOCCER - Completed November 18th, 2024 COMMIT TO KIDS CERTIFICATE– Obtained January 30th, 2025 ANTI RACISM IN COACHING – Completed November 18th, 2024 ST. JOHN AMBULANCE CPR CERTIFICATE – Level A-AED- Obtained December 14th, 2024 KEEPING GIRLS IN SPORT - Completed March 14, 2019 GOALKEEPER DIPLOMA - Obtained May 1, 2018

DID YOU KNOW? - i-Model Change

By Sheryl Hopeau • October 2, 2026

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.

OPDL Trials Phase 2

By Rob Stirling • October 2, 2026

Phase II – Players within the Talented Player Pathway pHASE i CONTINUES.... Open Trials An open trial is open to players who desire an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to participate within an OPDL License Holder environment and is eligible to play for the designated roster. OPDL Players are eligible to participate in Trials during Phase II and III In order to provide a more responsible evaluation process, no more than 35 players are allowed at each open trial. A player must have the opportunity to attend a minimum of three Open Trials before a final decision is made on that player. Players may attend more than one open trial simultaneously with different OPDL License Holders. Note: A player that has signed a 2026 OPDL Player Commitment Letter is not eligible to trial or attend Open Sessions with another OPDL License Holder. Invitation Only Trials After conducting open trials, invitation only trials can occur at any time in accordance with the stipulated timelines. An invitation only trial involves the interested OPDL License Holder contacting and asking for only specific players to return for further trials. No player shall undertake more than one invitation-only trial at a time. A player may attend a new invitation-only trial once an existing invitation-only trial has been completed. A player may attend a different invitation-only trial once the License Holder of the existing trial have been informed in writing that the player wishes to terminate that trial or the trial has been concluded, in writing, by the License Holder. Special Notes: Pre-registration for the OPDL Open Trials is required. Players SHOULD attend a minimum of three (3) Open Trials in order to be considered for the OPDL Team. Online Pre-Registration Procedure 1. Click on our Youth Trail form found throughout our website 2. Once submitted, our coaches will contact you with specific details. We recommend you follow our Instagram account because specific teams will share details regarding scheduled trial dates.

Former Rush Canada player makes Men's U16 National Squad

By Rob Stirling • August 14, 2026

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 Boys 2011 OPDL Shine!

By Rob Stirling • April 9, 2026

Jefferson Cup Showcase 2026 - 1st Place Rush Canada’s 2011 Boys delivered an outstanding performance at the Jefferson Cup, competing in a highly competitive 12-team showcase division. The squad finished top of the group with a perfect record—three wins, six goals scored, and just one conceded—demonstrating consistency and quality on both sides of the ball. The level of competition was excellent, with all three victories coming against strong opponents, including last year’s U14 ECNL National Champions. In the final match, facing a top team from the opposing group with first place on the line, the boys rose to the occasion with an impressive 3–1 win, capping off a dominant three days of soccer. A complete team performance and a great reflection of the group’s development—well done, boys

Canada Soccer Grassroots Update

By Rob Stirling • February 10, 2026

GRASSROOTS UPDATED STANDARDS are now active. The Canada Soccer Grassroots Standards have been designed to create the best possible learning and development environment for young players in Canada. First introduced in 2020, the Grassroots Standards are based on Sport for Life’s Long-term Athlete Development (2007) and Canada Soccer’s Long-term Player Development (2008) as well as global best practice while considering the realities of Canadian soccer and will become mandatory for all member organizations (clubs, academies, districts/regions, leagues) in Canada in advance of the 2026 playing season. In Canada, our goal is to cultivate an atmosphere conducive to as many Canadians as possible developing a passion for the ball, being skillful, with the ability to adapt and find solutions to soccer problems. To develop skillful players who are comfortable with the ball and have the technical proficiency and tactical understanding to solve soccer problems, it is essential that young players interact with the ball as often as possible by fostering an environment that maximizes one-on-one encounters, quick decision making, and final acts (goals, shots, crosses). Given the uniqueness of our country, where geography, climate, and infrastructure can be vastly different from one region to the next, it may not always be possible to implement the Grassroots Standards in their entirety. Recognizing this reality, member organizations may apply for special dispensation through their Provincial/Territorial Member Association by providing supporting rationale and an action plan to achieve the standard (if applicable) if they are not able to meet all required standards. This approach allows for some flexibility to account for the different environments and contexts in which soccer is played, while setting a standardized national direction for grassroots soccer in Canada. As adults, it is our responsibility to ensure that all children can enjoy soccer in a safe, fun, accessible, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment. The Grassroots Standards are structured around a set of guiding principles for grassroots soccer in Canada. GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Grassroots Programs should be appropriately structured for the age and stage of the participating players and allow for the opportunity for multi-sport participation, activity sampling, and life balance. Grassroots Matches should be played on fields, with goals and balls, and following a match day format that is developmentally appropriate for the participating players. Coaches have the greatest impact on the experience of players and every child deserves a properly qualified coach. Children register to play soccer, not to watch others play or spend time traveling. Teams should strive for fair playing time and limit travel time as much as possible. Talent Identification and selection should be delayed as long as possible to provide as many players as possible with the best training environment available. Match results should not be the focus of grassroots soccer as this restricts player development and negatively impacts the player experience. At Rush Canada we have embraced the guidelines and have structured our programs accordingly. Feel free to contact us for more information at info@rushcanada.com.

League 1 Canada Brand Update

By Rob Stirling • February 10, 2026

PSLC LAUNCH

Rush Canada Soccer Academy

RUSH CANADA SOCCER ACADEMY