Long-Term Player Development (LTPD)
In late 2005, the CSA with Sport Canada established the Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) Work Group to study the system of soccer player development in Canada. During the final months of 2005 through 2006, the Work Group engaged top professional coaches and administrators at the national and provincial levels across Canada as well as outside experts in discussions and research into what types of player development systems would be necessary to develop increased levels of player excellence.The broad soccer community was consulted as the Work Group conducted research and held periodic meetings across the country in cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmonton and Vancouver.
The results of these extensive discussions and research are detailed in this document. A principal finding: To qualify our men’s National Program for the FIFA World Cup and propel our Women’s Senior National Team to a medal finish at the FIFA World Cup 2011, Canadian Soccer must create a well defined pathway for player development. Ten years of progressive training and development is the figure consistently cited in sports research for players to reach world-class excellence. To train in this manner, a logical and scientific development pathway must be adopted.
The Work Group discussions and research have been based largely on the Sport Canada Long-Term Athlete Development project in which over 50 sports in Canada are already actively engaged. Research has also been done internationally on various systems of development; data has been compiled and reviewed on items such as where World Cup players play (leagues), how many caps Canadians have versus other nations, etc. Research continues with regards to such details, but a number of essential recommendations have been drawn.
CLICK HERE to view Sport Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development Program
Long Term Player Development (LTPD)
1. Basic overview of long-term player development for soccer in Canada – brochure and posters distributed Dec 2006
2. Wellness to World Cup, a strategy to advance the playing environment for Canadian soccer
3. Completion of a comprehensive guide to the abilities needed for Canadian soccer players at each LTPD stage
4. A set of per iodized annual plans for each LTPD stage to guide player development
Work Group Members Sylvie Beliveau, Eric Leroy, Stephen Hart, Jim Cannovan, Michael Findlay, Mike Hudson, Rick Celebrini, Sean Fleming, Tony Waiters, Richard Way.
Work Group Contributors Istvan Balyi, Markus Reinkens, Mark Parker, John Walker, Francis Millien, Estelle Nicholls, Martin Harvey, Anna Mees, Dean Morely, Danny Worthington.
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CSA's Wellness to World Cup Document - PDF
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Informing the BC Soccer Membership
Process – Phase #1
Sean Fleming (Canadian Soccer Association Staff Coach & Director of Grassroots Development and member of the LTPD Working Group) attended the 2nd Annual BC Soccer Conference December 14th - 16th, 2007 at BC Place Stadium. His presentation consisted of an introduction of the “Wellness to World Cup” document and its Long term Player Development Strategy to the attending delegates.
Process – Phase #2
Earlier this year BC Soccer was pleased to appoint Luca Dalla Pace as BC Soccer’s LTPD Liaison, he along with Michael Findlay (a member of the LTPD Work Group) will continue assist with the roll out and implementation of the LTPD to our membership.
Process – Phase #3
On September 1st 2009, the CSA was pleased to announce the hiring of Sylvie Beliveau to the position of Long-Term Player Development Manager. Sylvie’s key role will be to assist with the overall implementation of the LTPD throughout Canada.
CLICK HERE to view the CSA introducing BMO as presenting partner for Wellness to World Cup Program
CLICK HERE to view the Press Conference introducing BMO as presenting partner for Wellness to World Cup Program.
Also, the Canadian Soccer Association recently announced BMO Financial Group as the presenting partner for the Wellness to World Cup presented by BMO Long Term Player Development (LTPD) program. The announcement was made on September 29th at a Media Conference at BMO Field in Toronto, supported by National Team Athletes, BMO National Championships participants and local clubs.
Process – Phase #4 - In late 2009, BC Soccer completed its LTPD Province Implementation Plan and will continue to be a national frontrunner in the awareness and education of this CSA Vision. BC Soccer will be inviting its member districts and clubs for an introduction/update presentation in the coming weeks.
Click Here to view BC Soccer's Long Term Player Development Implementation Plan
“It is our hope that the “Wellness to World Cup” project provides a centre for discussion and planning, a vision to change our soccer culture and is ultimately the vehicle to launch effective change in the manner in which we develop players from the Active Start phase right through to Canada once again qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.”
- Michael Findlay- BC Soccer Senior Staff Coach & Member of the LTPD Working Group