TOP Soccer Development League (TDSL)

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The TOP Soccer Development League (TSDL) will be debuting in

Spring 2021, offering a unique soccer experience for boys and girls born 

between 2009 and 2013 in Midtown Toronto. The TSDL fuses high-quality skill 

development and coaching with age-appropriate gameplay, striking a balance 

between growing passion for sport and helping your child realize their full potential. 

The inaugural TSDL season will take place from April 10 -  June 26, 2021, running 

on Saturday afternoons at the De La Salle College School campus in Midtown Toronto. Each week players will be placed in small teams, participating in 45 minutes of high-quality skill development, and then playing 45 minutes of age-appropriate games overseen by the TOP Soccer staff. Teams will be crafted with all players in mind, stressing the importance of leadership, attitude, and work ethic. 

General registration opens December 1st, 2020, and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited in each division

For more information about the league, the age divisions, or registration, please email soccer@topsports.ca.

What is the TSDL?

The TSDL is a development soccer league running during the Spring season, featuring divisions for kids ages 7 through 12. The TSDL is a great way for kids to fall in love with soccer, offering a chance to improve and work on skills, but also play age-appropriate games every Saturday.

What is the difference between our Club Teams and the TSDL?

The main difference between our club teams and the TDSL is the commitment level per week. The Club teams have two events per week, one weekday practice and one weekend TSDL session, whereas the TSDL only has one event per week on Saturdays. All players are welcome to join the TSDL, where the Club teams are filled by invitation and assessment only. 

What is the format of the TSDL?

Each Saturday, players spend 45-minutes in small-group stations working on fundamental skills and athletic development. After the skills portion, all teams will play 45-mins of age-appropriate games in their age division, focusing on small-area skills, channeling competitive energy, and building passion for soccer. Players will rotate teams on a weekly basis so they are building new friendships and creating relationships with different coaches.

What if I want more than one session per week?

TSDL enrolled players are more than welcome to also registration for the weekday evening skills sessions, running concurrent with the TSDL season and offering 10-weeks of skill development with TOP Soccer coaches. Players must be enrolled in the TSDL to register for the weekday skills program.

How many players are on each team? 

Each team is made up of 7 players, including a rotating goalie each week.

How will games work? 

Players will play three 15-minute games every Saturday against other teams in their division, which vary from 6v6 to 4v4, depending on the age. TSDL games are all small-sided, focusing on making smart plays and developing teamwork. All games will be have a dedicated referee. 

What are the rules?

All games operate under the Ontario Soccer's rules for small-sided games, found here.

What is better about small-sided games?

1. More touches of the ball means more opportunity to make plays and get better.
2. Less players on each team means more meaningful playing time and less time standing around.
3. Less players on the field mean everyone is included, everyone is involved, and everyone needs to contribute.
4. More exposure to more situations, including attacking/defending, scoring, passing, and teamwork.
5. Development key character skills like attitude, leadership, and work ethic.

Can I sign my child up with a friend?

We encourage players to sign up with friends, and every effort will be made to place friends on the same team for a majority of the sessions. Given the rotating nature of the TSDL, teams will switch on a weekly basis and players will have the chance to play with and against new teammates.

Who are the coaches?

The TSDL is overseen by Shane Beharry, program manager of TOP Soccer, and our staff of former professional, collegiate, and varsity soccer players.

Are stats and standing kept?

In keeping with Ontario Soccer's Long-term Development Plan, TSDL will not keep formal scores or standings, but rather will be focusing on the skill development process, getting better, and having fun.