Dear WOSL Club Representatives,

On behalf of Dan Wybo, Cam Vassallo, and myself, I’d like to formally inform all member clubs that the current WOSL Board will be stepping away from the operation and management of the league at the conclusion of this season.

After more than two decades of service to the Western Ontario Soccer League, it has been an honour and a privilege to support the growth of the beautiful game in our region. With that in mind, we believe the time has come to pass the torch and welcome new leadership for the next chapter of the league.

As part of this transition, and in alignment with guidance from EMSA, WOSL will also be returning to independent league status. This change ends the appointed board status under which the league has operated in recent years and re-establishes WOSL as a stand-alone elected board entity, responsible for its own affairs under the direction of its constitution, bylaws, and the oversight of the District and Ontario Soccer.

Going forward, WOSL will now operate under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) framework. This transition provides the league with the autonomy to govern its own activities, including the ability to elect its own Board of Directors and make constitutional changes as required for ONCA compliance.

To support this, we will be calling a Special General Meeting near the end of August, with the goal of electing and/or announcing a new Board of Directors. We are seeking written nominations for the following positions:

President

Secretary

Treasurer

3 Council Members

Nominations for Board Positions must be received in writing by August 15. Nominations will only be accepted from a WOSL Club in good standing with EMSA and WOSL.

The Current League Secretary will confirm with the nominee that the nominees are willing to stand for election to the role(s) which they have been nominated. The nominees will be provided with an opportunity to submit a resume or letter of position as part of the process.

If there is only 1 nominee for a position that is willing to stand, the nominee will be acclaimed at the SGM. If there are more than 1 nominee willing to stand, a vote will take place at the SGM.

In the case of the Council Members, if there are 3 or less nominees willing to stand, they will be acclaimed at the SGM. If there is more than 3 nominees willing to stand a vote will take place at the SGM

Our goal is to have the new Board in place by October 15, 2025, allowing us time to support a smooth and informed transition.

This communication serves as formal notice to all WOSL member clubs. Additional details regarding the exact date, format, and location of the Special General Meeting will be provided in the coming weeks.

Finally, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to EMSA and to all club and board members who have made the past two decades such a rewarding journey. We are deeply proud of what WOSL has accomplished, and we look forward to supporting its continued success.

Sincerely,
Abbi Lezizidis, Dan Wybo, Cam Vassallo.
Western Ontario Soccer League (WOSL)