St. Thomas Soccer Club signs OPDL Affiliation Agreement with London TFC Academy

Affiliations between organizations operating Youth Amateur Teams in a Regional Leagues and OPDL License Holders is a key component in the alignment and growth of Ontario Soccer. With that in mind OPDL licensee London TFC Academy (the youth arm of FC LONDON) has signed an affiliation agreement with local youth soccer powerhouse St. Thomas Soccer Club, a club that boast over 2,000 participants and 140 teams.

The affiliation will allow St. Thomas players, specifically those who are born in 2005 and will play in U13 leagues in 2018 to be ‘called up’ to boys and girls London TFC Academy teams throughout the season to play in OPDL games.

This affiliation is meant to provide a talent pathway for players, to support and strengthen player development, to educate parents and players about the talented pathway and to assist London TFC Academy’s OPDL Technical Director is to identify players from the affiliated organization

Starting at U12, the London TFC Academy will have an opportunity to invite the player for training with the OPDL age group and/or to a selected tournament festival providing that there are no conflicts with this current team.

“We’re thrilled to be working directly with the executive of such a solid organization,” comments Ian Campbell, CEO of FC LONDON and London TFC Academy. “With the combination of our FC LONDON teams operation in League1 and our direct partnership with 2017 MLS Champions Toronto FC, it’s great to bring such a strong pathway to the region.”

“This is a true pathway in alignment with Ontario Soccer’s vision of player development.” Said Rob Cameron, President of St. Thomas Soccer Club. “From young players through to young adults, this affiliation creates defined and real opportunities for those that have a vision of playing at a higher level.”

Through it’s affiliation with 2017 MLS Champions Toronto FC, London TFC Academy will be sharing technical and coaching resources with the St. Thomas Soccer Club to assist with raising the bar for soccer in the London and St. Thomas communities.

About St. Thomas Soccer Club:

Established in 1965, the St. Thomas Soccer Club, centrally located in South Western Ontario offers recreational and competitive soccer programs for players young through adult, participating in leagues throughout the district. With over 140 teams and 2,000+ participants, the club has recently confirmed the development of a 36 field, 65 acre, $10 million facility to be built in in phases over the coming years. The club run tournaments throughout the season inviting teams from across Ontario. Www.sthomassoccer.com