Episode 4 - Feb 12, 2025 - Weekly Updates, New Workplace Tools and Grant Options

Sanford Carabin

Welcome to this week's episode!

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Each week we aim to evolve the podcast to ensure we are covering information important to Club Directors across the Province and this week continues with that thought in mind.

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This week we review some recent news regarding the professional women's game in Ontario,

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A new workplace tool to improve communication across any organization ........and finally ....I will outline some Grant options for Clubs to apply for in 2025.

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.....So lets dive right in.

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First off, AFC Toronto, the New women's pro team has opened pre-season training this past week at York University. ........Over the past few Months, AFC management has been very busy building its roster and in the past few weeks a steady stream of signing announcements have been made....... including local, home grown players like Sierra Cota-Yarde, Sarah Rollins, Ivymae Perez, Cloey Uddenberg and Leah Pais. ......

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Its really great to see Ontario developed players taking centre stage at the professional level.

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And finally, speaking of inspiration, let’s take a moment to congratulate the following Clubs on recent success at the Ontario Indoor Cup Finals this past weekend.

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Starting with the U18 Champions - FC Toronto Boys Team and Mississauga Rebels Girls Team. Both games were very well attended and had a full house of spectators and the drama was intense as both were tight.... 1 goal contests......

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In the U13 division. The First Touch Jaguars boys were dominant in their final and the U13 Cherry Beach Toronto Red Cheetahs Girls team deserved their 2 to 0 win after a commanding second-half push.

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These games, you know, are reminders of the depth of talent across Ontario’s youth leagues. It’s inspiring, really, to see these young players step up and deliver........consistently.

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Now, let’s shift gears a bit and talk about improving workflows.

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Each week, I highlight a tool that I have tested , that can be easily integrated into a Clubs workflow in a low cost, big impact way. This week I like to focus on a program called "Loom"

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So what is "Loom"...

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Loom is a software tool that can assist ED's and TDs to record, narrate, and share PowerPoint presentations effectively. For instance, say you want to share your club's strategic vision with a new member that has just joined your Club. Using Loom, you can pre-record the strategic plan presentation that walks the member through the Clubs vision, with voiceovers and a personal touch.

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Or perhaps you are a Technical Director that wants to share a specific tactical analysis, training explanation or simply team communications.

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So how does it work?

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Firstly, Visit loom dot com and sign up......and its free to test it out.

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Once your set -up, Open a PowerPoint presentation on your computer and set up your slideshow.

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Second, Open Loom and select Screen + Camera (to show both slides and yourself).

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Third, choose to record full screen and Start Recording and begin presenting your content.

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Finally Click Finish when done, and Loom will generate a shareable video link which you can send out electronically......

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Thats it...I have used this over the past year to communicate with my coaching staff on summer training schedules, explain our grassroots curriculum principles, discuss how to conduct player assessments, etc etc

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Give it a try.....if your like me, you'll be hooked.

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OK time to switch gears once again....

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Lets talk about ways to find alternate revenue streams via Grants.

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There are many grants out there but not all fit our industry.

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One such organization that everyone should be aware of is the Trillium Foundation Grants.

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Last week, the application window opened up for the annual Trillium Foundation "Capital Grant" .....and closes very quickly .... next month ...on March 5th.

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This grant supports the work of non-profit organizations like Soccer Clubs to help them deliver direct community-based programs and services in Ontario. The funding is annual, usually between $10,000 and $200,000 dollars and can be used by Club's that are interested in say.....updating their clubhouses, enhancing physical spaces they train on, and or purchase fixed and non-fixed equipment so members in their Club can thrive.

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....

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If this grant isn't suited for your club, then I would suggest you look at another one of the Trillium Foundations grants called the "Grow Grant" .

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Clubs or Academies with established programming and a proven track record of success can consider this 'Grow Grant" in late 2025 . This grant provides a higher level of funding ....$50,000 to $200,000 dollars. over 2 or 3 years ......to help proven Club programs and services increase their impact in their respective communities.

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For instance, If you are looking to expand your House League offering across a larger geographical area or you are looking to expand on a Schools Based program, this grant is the answer.

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The next grant application period is October 8, 2025 to November 5, 2025, and while its still a long ways away, I would start planning now...

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The application window is tight. NOTE: you must be a non-profit organization or a registered charity to apply.

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Finally, I will finish off by reminding everyone that the Ontario Soccer Summit comes up at the end of the month. Its a great opportunity for networking.

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The summit is an annual event that all EDs and TDs should consider ......to connect with like-minded professionals, share challenges, and brainstorm solutions.

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Whether it’s over coffee in between sessions or during one of the planned mixer events, it’s all about building relationships that can take your club to the next level.

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I will be there and will be happy to meet with anyone that wants to discuss ways we can collectively improve our game.

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And that’s all for today. Until next time, take care, and remember “Strong leaders, smarter workflows, better soccer!”. ...... Bye for now!