Strathroy United FC confirms OPDL affiliating agreement with "London TFC Academy"
March 16, 2018 - London, Ontario -
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 Strathroy United FC, a club that boast over 900 participants and 70 teams.
The affiliation opens up opportunities for Strathroy United players, both boys and girls, 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.
"Strathroy runs a great program and their dedication to creating opportunities for both male and female players is a key component of their club mission," comments Ian Campbell, CEO of FC LONDON and London TFC Academy. "With the combination of our FC LONDON teams operating 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 Luis Duarte President of Strathroy United FC. "The club has spent over 50 years helping young adults learn through participation in sports and 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 Strathroy United FC to assist with raising the bar for soccer in the London and Strathroy communities.
About London TFC Academy: As the youth component of League1's 'FC LONDON' championship soccer organization, London TFC Academy runs elite level year-round programming for players ages U8-U17, leading into the FC LONON U21 and League1 programs. The club competes in the Ontario Academy Soccer League (OASL) and Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) which is the highest level of competitive play for youth players in the province. OPDL is recognized as a pathway for both male and female players to Provincial and National Team selection. www.FCLONDON.ca
About Strathroy United FC: Established in 1961, as one of the oldest clubs in the region, the Strathroy United FC, 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 70 teams and 900+ participants, the club plays in Strathroy and area on over 26 900+ fields, including it's flagship stadium with lights Henk Van Dyk Memorial Soccer Park. The club runs tournaments and camps throughout the season. Www.strathroysoccer.com
