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FC Durham Academy 2007B OPDL

Training to Train – U14 OPDL Program

This stage is in line with the Training to Train stage of LTPD.

Technical development is always a priority while introducing tactical development based on the playing philosophy, training methodology and game model. FCD will operate with a complete 4-corner holistic approach which focuses on technical/tactical, physical, mental and social/emotional areas of player development. Our curriculum and focus can be found in the U13-U14 Overview and Curriculum. 

WHAT IS OPDL

The Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) is the highest level of competition in Ontario for  players U13 and up. 

OPDL isn’t just a league. In fact, competition is a relatively small part of it. The league moves the focus  from solely trying to win a trophy or avoid relegation, to developing players through a structured blend of high performance training and age appropriate play. In the OPDL, you’ll see mandatory heightened training with sport science and sport medicine components, complimenting regular weekly game play against other top players, from May to October.

The OPDL is not for everyone. As the Elite Pathway for players in Ontario, it requires a high level of commitment.

For Players:

  • A full time commitment to training and games.
  • A commitment to excellence and growth

For Parents:

  • Financial and time investment

WHY SHOULD MY CHILD PLAY OPDL?

Why should your child consider the OPDL rather than other alternative development programs in Ontario?

  • Highest level and best competition league in Ontario for U13 and up
  • A professional approach to soccer development based on specific standards
  • Highly qualified coaches accountable to coaching development standards and regular assessments by the league
  • Training based on a specific development curriculum set by the Canada Soccer and Ontario Soccer technical departments
  • Medical and Fitness support staff
  •  Indoor and outdoor turf facilities
  • Player’s development is monitored and evaluated through the year, based on specific Provincial and National standards
  • OPDL players are scouted regularly and provided with the opportunity to be selected for Provincial and National programs

Recent FC Durham Academy 2007B News

Dior Wilson signs with University of West Alabama

By Rich Hirst 03/01/2021, 1:00pm EST

MARCH 1, 2021

OSHAWA, ON

Congratulations to FC Durham Academy (FCD) Goalkeeper Dior Wilson on signing with University of West Alabama (UWA)!

Dior is joining the highly competitive UWA Tigers Program that is always in the running Gulf South Conference Championship.

Rich Hirst our Girl's High-Performance Manager says "She has been with FCD for 7 season and will be graduating from our program having made an impact on many of our members and staff. Dior is another one of those players that I have been honoured to coach for a long time period.  Her game presence, game command and penalty area ownership is at an extremely high level which is almost impossible to find in a goalkeeper at this transitioning point. Quiet off the field and THE commander on the field. Combining this with her intense competitive mentality, bravery and reaction Dior will be stepping in as a Freshman and challenging for a starting position at UWA. The statement we use to describe an elite work rate in training is - "punching a clock". Dior exudes this statement!  I am thankful to also get to know Dior as a person over this time period. Well rounded, devoted, and sincere are a few words I would use to describe her."

We look forward to following this next step of her journey and all her future successes.

Sierra O'Grady signs with University of West Alabama

By Rich Hirst 02/27/2021, 3:00pm EST

FEBRUARY 27, 2021

OSHAWA, ON

Congratulations to FC Durham Academy (FCD) 2021 Graduate Sierra "OG" O'Grady on signing with University of West Alabama (UWA)!

Sierra is joining 2 former FCD Graduates in the highly competitive UWA Tigers Program that is always in the running Gulf South Conference Championship.

Rich Hirst our Girl's High-Performance Manager says "We are elated for OG to be signing with UWA and taking this next step in life. When she graduates from FCD this August, it will mark 7 years at FCD. It was a delight to personally work with her for 6 of those 7 years. She has been a big part of our FCD family and will always be. A driven student and person with a very bright future ahead of her on and off the field.  OG has elite level awareness, perception, vision, playmaking and technical abilities, that along with her relentless mentality/passion will make her a great addition to the central midfield at UWA.  After spending so much time with her and watching her grow as a person, I have learned so much more about her. She is dedicated, focused, caring and generates high standards for herself. Traits that will help in university soccer, her career and in life."

We look forward to following this next step of her journey and all her future successes.

Charlotte Currer signs with Saint Mary's University

By Rich Hirst 02/23/2021, 1:30pm EST

FEBRUARY 23, 2021

OSHAWA, ON

Congratulations to FC Durham Academy (FCD) 2021 Graduate Charlotte Currer on signing with Saint Mary's University (SMU)!

SMU is located in Nova Scotia and competes in the Atlantic University Sports (AUS) of U Sports.

Rich Hirst our Girl's High Performance Manager says "We are very excited for Charlotte as she has been at FCD since U12 and feel this is an excellent fit for her from an academic and athletics aspect. She has a high level game understanding, excellent vision and is extremely sharp technically. Not many players in her age group this good with their head! These attributes and skills, along with her work ethic, will help Charlotte take this next step to university soccer at SMU. I personally was fortunate enough to coach her for 6 of these years, which gave me the opportunity to also watch her grow as a person."

We look forward to following her success at SMU both on and off the field.

Congrats to Charlotte!

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