Currently, sanctioned Ontario soccer players progress to playing 11-a-side soccer when they reach the Under-13 (U13) age bracket. Throughout soccer communities in Ontario and across the country, discussions are taking place involving indications that Ontario Soccer (OS) will keep U13 players at the 9-a-side format for an additional year starting in 2024, rather than allowing them to advance to 11 v 11 as expected. By signing this petition with us, you are appealing to OS to rethink this idea.

It appears the rationale behind this decision is a belief that the number of touches and opportunities for 1 v 1 attacking and defending declines once these players move from 9 v 9 to 11 v 11. This is a weak and insufficient argument that doesn’t explain if attacking and defending suddenly improves at U14 or gets worse. 

This argument doesn’t account for players who don’t show potential until they’re 16, yet these players are still playing 11-a-side soccer. The reality is that games are only a small portion of a player's development. In an 80 minute game, at U13, players only have the ball in their possession for a small percentage of the time. Furthermore, Canada Soccer (CS) wants to also adjust the maximum player limits.

In the absence of additional 9 v 9 fields, the current 11 v 11 fields would be converted to contain two 9 v 9 fields so more kids get to play. But OS hasn't looked at other options. Leaving U13s to play 11 a side, adding other leagues, and offering other optional playing formats allows more kids to continue playing.

We realize that an 11-a-side format doesn’t work for everyone. Smaller municipalities, districts and subsequent leagues with lower memberships might not be able to consistently field larger teams. However, we don’t want OS to make sweeping changes without considering other possibilities or consequences.

OS would lead members to believe that by leaving U13s on 9 v 9 fields for another year, the focus will be on technical skills rather than tactical play, but they don’t explain why OS sanctioned clubs, academies and licensed coaches can’t teach players both and provide the resources required to support the suggested development that one would expect from a governing body.

It’s unreasonable to believe that 11 v 11 goals are too big and that U13 goalies are at a disadvantage as a result. It isn’t the place of CS or OS to define that disadvantage. It isn’t their place to decide which players are too small to play goalkeeper, especially if the player loves goalkeeping. They can’t predict how and when a player will grow and develop. Instead, they are supposed to provide a “safe, fun, accessible, inclusive, welcoming . . .”  environment to support all players’ development. If OS is so concerned with net size, they can adjust the size while players grow accustomed to bigger fields and larger nets. Other field players are not discriminated against in this manner. Look at Messi.

OS hasn’t considered the following:

International Representation

• The first Canadian national team selection starts at Under 14 while selection for competitions starts at Under 15, and they play on 11-a-side fields. Delaying the development and understanding of the 11 v 11 format by a year at U13, during a key cognitive development stage, may have a detrimental and long-standing impact on player development, as well as Ontario and Canada's ability to field international, world-class players.
• National, provincial, club and academy teams may not be permitted to participate in memorable events like tournaments and festivals in the United States because the playing format in that country will differ from the playing format here in Ontario, Canada.
• Not all FIFA or CONCACAF members (our region, North America, Central America and Caribbean) have officially changed their playing format. 

Strain on Officials

Both Canada and Ontario Soccer have extensive campaigns (No Ref, No Play) aimed at recruiting, retaining and supporting licensed referees in the province at all levels. Increasing the number of required referees at all levels at this time will only place a heavier burden on referees who are already overextended.

In 2023, the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL)[1] completed an alarming number of games with fewer than the required (3) game officials. This puts all participants at risk and doesn't support or entice referees.

OS has not provided information or a stated position to its membership. By signing our petition, you’re delivering a clear and definitive message to OS that U-13 players should continue to play 11 a side. These players deserve to continue their development and progression without OS making a unilateral decision and mandating a change to The Beautiful Game that may adversely impact the sport in Ontario, Canada for many, many years.

Thank you for your time and support in helping ensure that soccer in Canada continues to grow. Canadian talent should be afforded every opportunity to excel, similar to other soccer powerhouses around the world. Let them play!

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[1]  Established in 2014, the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL) is one of the province's first standards-based, youth high-performance leagues that combines top-level competition with strict high-performance training standards. This innovative exciting youth high-performance program is an important component of the overall movement to adopt the core principles of Long Term Player Development (LTPD) across soccer at large in Ontario and Canada. OPDL encompasses the U13 to U17 age categories, for both males and females. Source: https://www.ontariosoccer.net/opdl