Cannovan Retires

VAUGHAN, ON — After 15 years as Director Technical of The Ontario Soccer Association, Jim Cannovan has announced his retirement effective November 15th, 2009.

Cannovan was appointed September 12, 1994 as Ontario’s Head Coach with some 160,000 players regis­tered with the Canadian Soccer Association and another estimat­ed 50,000 playing recreational soccer.

His tenure spanned some 15 years of exponential growth in “the Beautiful Game” with registered participation in Ontario today exceeding half a million players.

Cannovan came to the task with a strong soccer background from his native Scotland where he was schooled through the Glasgow Celtic system as a teenager, spent some time with Alloa in the Scottish League and Barnsley of England before com­ing to Canada where he joined Toronto Italia and Panhellenic of the National Soccer League. Prior to his appointment, he had coached for 12 years, including as a staff coach for the OSA and the Canadian Soccer Association.

In his role as Director Technical, Cannovan presided over the explosion in soccer participation with a focus on progressive coach education which he firmly believes is the key to meeting­ Ontario and Canada’s coaching and player development challenges.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to work with so many gifted coaches and talented players over the years and to be involved with the Ontario Soccer Association and the CSA during a time of massive changes to the coach and player development programs in this country,” said Cannovan.

“I take pride in the knowledge that I played a large role in the evolution of the game in Canada and I that am leaving the position of Technical Director when the game is on a positive trajectory.

“I may be retiring from the Association but I will continue to work diligently from the field to improve the game from the grass roots level where we still have an enormous challenge.”

“Jim Cannovan has been a highly respected leader in the development of soccer in Ontario and Canada,” said Guy Bradbury, OSA CEO.

“He has taught and mentored many of our best coaches and provincial players as they strived to maximize their potential and pursue their dreams in the sport.

“On behalf of the Association, I extend my gratitude to Jim for his invaluable contributions and wish him all the best on his retirement.”