Hello,
I want to wish you a great New Year. A new year is a new beginning. As the new Regional Manager, Player Development at the Ontario Soccer Association (OSA), I wanted to take the time to reach out and introduce myself to the soccer community.
My name is Sonia Curvelo and I was born and raised in Strathroy, Ontario where my passion for the game of soccer started. I am very thankful for the opportunity to come back home to Ontario, Canada after spending the last 8 years in the United States as a Division I University Head Women’s Soccer Coach. I had the opportunity to play soccer in all levels, club, semi-pro, collegiate Division l, professional and national. I have also played in four countries, Canada, United States, Portugal and Spain. I am very excited to be back home in Canada to help grow the game of soccer in Ontario. Together, we all play an important part in growing the game for our young players in Ontario. It is important to put our young players first and do everything we can to make it the most positive and enjoyable experience. The main focus will be on long term player development (LTPD) and educating coaches, parents, and directors that will be involved in the process. I can speak from my experience that player development was the key to my success stories as a player and a coach.
My role at the OSA is to provide Districts, Clubs and Coaches with the required direction and resources for the successful implementation of the LTPD philosophy throughout Western Ontario.
The flow of information and resources between the Grassroots Department and our membership is fundamental to the development of Ontario soccer. Therefore, it is my priority to ensure all of your questions and queries are answered effectively and efficiently, and you have all the resources and tools necessary to develop and implement sustainable grassroots programs and initiatives.
I hope that over the coming weeks I can have the opportunity to discuss with you our collective efforts at ensuring our young players have the best possible environment to learn, have fun, develop and stay committed to the game like I did. Please feel free to contact me with any questions relating to the LTPD model or grassroots soccer in general.
In the meantime there is a variety of grassroots resources, including manuals, curriculums, workshops, presentations and coaching clinics that are available to aid the understanding and delivery of the LTPD model. All of these can be found on our website: http://www.ontariosoccer.net/player/grassroots
I look forward to working together as we continue to drive Canadian soccer forward.
Sincerely,
Sonia Curvelo
REGIONAL MANAGER PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
The Ontario Soccer Association
7601 Martin Grove Road, Vaughan,
ON L4L 9E4
T: 905-264-9390 x807
F: 905-264-9445