Episode 3 - Feb 3, 2025 This week in Ontario Soccer

Sanford Carabin

Welcome to Episode 3 everyone. This week we will focus on providing some leadership updates within our National Program, particularly on the Women's side of the game.... introduce a new AI generated workplace tool that I believe can help all soccer organizations with their marketing and promotions...... outline some upcoming events and deadlines and finally showcase the latest Professional team in Toronto.

Sanford Carabin

So lets get started!

Sanford Carabin

We begin with the continued pivotal shift in leadership within Canadian soccer. Casey Stoney was recently appointed as the Head Coach of the Womens National Team, and now, it looks like another key hire has occurred....

Sanford Carabin

Let’s talk about Alexandre Da Rocha, now leading the Canadian Womens Futsal Team. Futsal, if you’re not familiar, provides an incredibly dynamic environment for skill enhancement, especially at the youngest ages and has traditionally been an overlooked element of many clubs and academies development curriculum. Announcing a Head Coach on the Womens side could mean more pathways for younger players, especially in a sport that rewards creativity and technical precision.

Sanford Carabin

Staying with Futsal, Ontario Soccer has also opened a significant chapter by launching two follow up coaching courses to its inaugural Futsal Certificate course. This move is aimed squarely at elevating coaching standards in futsal across the province.

Sanford Carabin

The first follow-up Futsal course kicks off this weekend in Mississauga on Saturday, February 8 at Loyola Catholic Secondary School. The second course is scheduled for March 23rd at Cardinal Carter school in Aurora. Both courses run from 9am to 6pm and cost $325 dollars. Visit the Ontario soccer website for more details.

Sanford Carabin

ok

Sanford Carabin

Shifting focus to match officials, it’s a proud moment as Ontario referees take center stage on Canada Soccer's FIFA List of International Referees for 2025. A big shout out to Carly SHAW-MACLAREN.......Melissa SNEDDEN and ......Filip DUJIC who have all made the FIFA list. Developed in Ontario; these match officials are paving the way for future opportunities in international competitions.

Sanford Carabin

FUN Fact.....I still remember coaching a young Filip Dujic when he was 12 years old at Wexford SC. ....who would have known his pathway at the time would be as an International Referee. Congrats again Filip.

Sanford Carabin

For many clubs,....... this serves as a reminder of how integral refereeing pathways are to the Ontario soccer ecosystem, from local matches to global tournaments.

Sanford Carabin

Finally, from a soccer leadership perspective.......Canada Soccer is ramping up its governance commitments. They’re recruiting for two key committees: the Disciplinary and Competitions Committees. Now, why does this matter? Engaging your club with governance processes can foster a stronger, more inclusive soccer community.

Sanford Carabin

For club leaders, it’s a chance to influence the structure and culture of Canadian soccer directly. Check out more details on Canada Soccer website.

Sanford Carabin

Lets shift gears....

Sanford Carabin

As always, each episode we dive into tools, strategies, and innovations shaping the business world and how we can integrate into the soccer landscape.

Sanford Carabin

Today, I want to highlight a Tool specifically for Soccer organizations interested in taking their marketing and communications to another level.

Sanford Carabin

The tool is called IN Video AI

Sanford Carabin

It is a powerful content creation tool that I believe can help soccer clubs engage with members, promote events, and showcase their coaches, players, and match officials.

Sanford Carabin

Whether you're a grassroots club or managing a high performance program, IN Video AI offers dynamic solutions to elevate your content game.

Sanford Carabin

So what is it: IN Video AI is an advanced video creation platform that leverages artificial intelligence to simplify the video production process. Its as simple as dragging and dropping your text, photos and videos into their dashboard and voila....it will automatically produce a professional sounding video in minutes. It also offers AI powered script generation so you don't need to be a seasoned copy writer.

Sanford Carabin

Why would you use IN Video AI: It can help you create compelling match highlights for your teams, player spotlight videos, and behind-the-scenes content with ease. If you have an upcoming event, tournament, festival for example, it can create a 2 to 3 minute promotion video for your clubs website, social media platforms, etc, etc

Sanford Carabin

Recently I created a short video for parents of an OPDL Team highlighting the important differences within players that have a growth vs a fixed mindset. The video was circulated to all the players and parents as an educational video. I found it a good way to relay a concept through video as opposed to simply audio.

Sanford Carabin

There is a free version as well as a paid PLUS version for just over $200 dollars annually.

Sanford Carabin

To get started with IN Video AI: You can simply visit their website at in video ai and sign up. Choose the free plan to test out and once you determine its worthwhile, I would suggest you sign up for the Plus plan as then your videos don't have the marked up In Video logo on all your videos and you can insert your own clubs marketing assets as overlays on videos.

Sanford Carabin

Turning to upcoming events around Ontario, I would like to bring your attention to a few featured events that are just around the corner in case you wanted to consider for any of your teams.

Sanford Carabin

Firstly, the Milton Magic Soccer club is hosting a Family Day Festival on Monday February 17th. This event is for U8 to u12 teams interested in a one day festival competition. If your club is interested in entering any teams, email info at Milton Magic .com for details.

Sanford Carabin

Next up, for clubs looking to get some competition in March, the Newmarket Soccer club is hosting March Fest on March 10 and 11 during the March break window for teams U9 and U10. If your interested, contact james Sewell at james at newmarket soccer .com.

Sanford Carabin

Newmarket is also hosting in March, some grassroots practical coaching courses for those in need for the summer 2025. Again contact james for more details.

Sanford Carabin

For those clubs looking at planning their outdoor summer pre-season, I would suggest considering the Frank Sobil Spring Classic.

Sanford Carabin

This annual kickoff tournament is held in early May and has been running for over 20 years. It features both a Festival weekend and a Tournament Weekend. Held throughout the Oshawa Area, it functions as a very good chance to get on grass early after 6 long months indoor. More details can be found on the Oshawa Kicks Soccer club website.

Sanford Carabin

Next......For all the OPDL clubs out there, don't forget that this week Ontario Soccer will be launching their 1st draft of OPDL schedules for the 2025 season. This will provide a first glimpse at ID weekend games as well as when breaks will occur.

Sanford Carabin

In addition, the OPDL Player Scholarship window has opened today, Monday February 3rd and will remain open till March 31st. For OPDL Clubs looking to apply on behalf of their players for consideration for an OPDL scholarship, please keep in mind this two month window.

Sanford Carabin

To finish off this week, I would like to acknowledge the NEW AFC Women's professional team that kicks off their pre-season training today in Toronto.

Sanford Carabin

A huge congratulations must go out to the owners, staff and players that were present at their community outreach launch last week at the Ontario Soccer centre. I attended along with quite a few Ontario Clubs and was impressed with the openness, honesty and vision communicated to the greater soccer community. I particularly like their "Run it Our Way" branding.

Sanford Carabin

I would like to wish the Front office and Technical staff of Helena, Billy, Marko and Sylvia all the best...Im looking forward to attending home games starting this April.

Sanford Carabin

If your interested in getting on the AFC Toronto mailing list for upcoming news, visit their website at afc toronto .ca

Sanford Carabin

Thats all for this episode, thanks for tuning in.

Sanford Carabin

See you all next week!