The University of Guelph - Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics To Become Official Partner of Ontario Soccer

November 3, 2025

Vaughan, ON – The University of Guelph’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics and Ontario Soccer are proud to announce a new partnership that will see the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics become the “Official Sport Business, Research and Youth Leadership Partner” of Ontario Soccer.

Through this unique partnership, Ontario Soccer will have access to sport business, research and youth leadership expertise offered by the University of Guelph’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics.

“Sport innovation is important to us at Ontario Soccer and how we can best serve our membership and ultimately improve the quality of experience for our membership and 500,00 participants in Ontario,” said Johnny Misley, Ontario Soccer’s CEO. ”We are very excited to provide an exchange of programs and services that benefits both the amateur sport ecosystem and an academic institution.”

The partnership objectives are to build a model relationship between university and amateur sport with respect to sport business leadership development, provide a platform to inspire and develop future sport leaders, and improve sport business practices and enhance the overall promotion and development of the game of soccer in Ontario.

“The partnership between Ontario Soccer and the Lang School presents a tremendous opportunity for both institutions to combine our unique skills in developing future leaders in Ontario,” said Lang School dean Sara Mann. “With the FIFA World Cup coming to Canada in less than a year, this is the perfect time to build these kinds of partnerships to showcase the immense talent of Ontario’s soccer players, combined with opportunities to deliver future-focused business education that becomes a force for good.”

Over the coming months and years, a number of initiatives will be announced that will engage both the membership and participants of Ontario Soccer as well as the faculty and students at the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics.

About Ontario Soccer

Founded in 1901, Ontario Soccer is currently comprised of more than 500 Clubs servicing over 24,000 teams with 380,000 registered players, 70,000 coaches and managers, and 7,200 match officials, as well as countless volunteers, parents and supporters encompassing a direct, multi-cultural community of over 1,000,000 Ontarians.

Ontario Soccer develops and delivers exceptional and sustainable programs and services throughout Ontario with the mission of providing leadership and support for the advancement of soccer in collaboration and cooperation with our member District Associations and Clubs, partners and other stakeholders. Ontario Soccer owns and operates the Zanchin Automotive Soccer Centre in Vaughan, Ontario as well operating the Ontario Player Development League (OPDL); the province’s premier standards-based youth development program, as well as “Team Ontario”, Ontario Soccer’s Provincial Xcel program. Ontario Soccer proudly supports Canada Soccer’s National Teams, the Canadian Premier League, Toronto FC and the new Northern Super League.

The overall objective of Ontario Soccer, as a hub for Coach, Match Official and Player Development, is to be innovators and leaders in sport and to assist with the equitable development of soccer as a healthy lifestyle choice, provide a talented pathway for participants to excel and encourage inclusive community involvement at all levels.

About University of Guelph’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics

The Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics at the University of Guelph offers a unique opportunity for athletes of all ages to earn a top tier business education while staying committed to the sport they love. The Bachelor of Commerce in Sport and Event Management is offered full-time for on-campus learners as well as fully online in an asynchronous format so athletes, coaches, and trainers can learn at their convenience from anywhere in the world.