Cambridge Youth Soccer’s OPDL Trial Process for existing OPDL Players as well as Non-OPDL players. All registered players will have several opportunities to be evaluated starting September 13, 2021.

The OPDL has detailed the Trial Process and provided specific guidelines, focused on player identification and enhanced player experience. The trial process will be divided into three Phases, as outlined below.

Special Notes:

Please note pre-registration for the OPDL Open Trials is required.

There is no cost to attend Open Trials.

Players SHOULD attend a minimum of three (3) Open Trials in order to be considered for the OPDL Team.

Assessment Focus during a Trial

During a trial, a player should be evaluated using an LTPD-centered holistic approach, which would include:

1. Technically unopposed
2. Tactically, with exercises involving decision making and small-sided games
3. Physically, with small-sided games and/or 11 a-side play
4. Mentally, socially and emotionally with player conduct, interaction with players, work ethic, commitment and ability to meet the challenges within the game environment

Under Age/Over Ager Player Guidelines

Ontario Soccer supports the philosophy of continually challenging its member players.

Players potentially moving up, or down, an age group within OPDL must have the ability to blend in (technically, physically, mentally and socially/emotionally) with players of the intended age group, without undue risk of suffering injury.

Ontario Soccer will support the selection of an underage/overage player to OPDL if the player meets these guidelines. Players will be subject to approval by Ontario Soccer Technical staff.

The License Holder selecting the individual shall initiate the Player Movement Evaluation process and must obtain Ontario Soccer approval prior to the individual being eligible to participate in any OPDL activity.

The final selection of an underage/over age player will be at the discretion of the OPDL License Holder.

Notification of Players Not Selected

It is not required for OPDL License Holders to provide verbal one-on-one feedback to players released from an open trial.

Players released from an invitation only trial must be given verbal feedback (minimum 15 minutes with players and player’s parents) as to why they were released.

Once the season has started, there is to be no releasing of players except in circumstances that are driven by and out of control of the players’ family.