Onward! is taking an active role in the ongoing discussion over the future direction of the Canadian Soccer Association.  Here are some crucial – and very informative – documents, to help you make your mind up for yourself:

 

1. The Canadian Soccer Association’s Strategic Plan 2009-2013

This outlines the new path the CSA intends to take, under the guidance of General Secretary Peter Montopoli.   

2. Wellness to World Cup

The CSA’s top-to-tail strategy to develop new players for Canada’s national teams.

3. Deloitte & Touche report on the CSA

High-level consultant’s report from 2005 – commissioned by the CSA, but unreleased until it appeared on the Canadian Soccer Federation website a year ago. 

4. “Three Canadian Soccer Myths and a Solution” by Gerry Gentile

The former head of the Canadian United Soccer League movement moves away from pro soccer, with a powerful twin strategy involving high-level amateur leagues and a new CSA CEO, operating with his own business-oriented board of directors.  The most thorough, all-encompassing proposal so far.  

5. Oakville Soccer Club’s response to the CSA Strategic Plan 

Canada’s largest soccer club asks some probing questions about whether Canadian soccer is on the right path. 

6. The Canadian Soccer Federation: A New Way Forward 

We haven’t heard from these guys in a while, but they raised the debate nicely a year ago.  You’ll find some intriguing things to think about here.

7.  From Australia: The Crawford Report 

This is the Royal Commission report that changed the face of soccer in Australia.  It’s a shining example for Canada, even though I doubt we’ll ever have the government interest and financial backing to make reform like this possible. 

 

I expect all these documents to be referred to regularly, as Onward! continues to cover — and add to — the debate.