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A multi-faceted group of people from the Ontario soccer scene will feature on this weekend’s panels.

The inaugural L1 Summit is taking place this weekend, with League1 Ontario clubs converging on Hamilton Convention Centre for two days of soccer-specific panels ranging from internal strategies to player pathways.

The mission of the Summit is to educate, inspire, and elevate the Pro-Am soccer scene in Ontario. There are six topics planned for discussion across the weekend, kicking off with preseason planning on Saturday, November 23, and concluding on the Sunday evening with how to create a winning fan experience.

A variety of speakers have also confirmed their attendance on the panels, including personnel from the Canadian Premier League, Northern Super League, hummel North America, and League1 Ontario clubs.

Please continue below to learn more about the schedule and some of our speakers.

Day Two

Panel #1: Business Development Strategies

This panel includes a range of soccer business experience as the Canadian Premier League’s Senior Media Relations Consultant, Laura Armstrong, will moderate discussions between Simcoe County Rovers’ President and CEO Peter Raco, Conor Caloia from new League1 Canada partners hummel North America, and Tom Walker from the backroom staff at four-time CPL champions Forge FC.

More about: Conor Caloia

Caloia is the founder and managing partner of Forward Madison, overseeing day-to-day operations of the USL League One Club. He is also involved in managing hummel North America after leading a group to acquire the brand’s North American license, utilizing 20 years of experience in the sports and entertainment business where he has launched several franchises, promoted national touring acts, and developed facilities.

More about: Tom Walker

Walker is the Director of Ticketing, Sales & Service at Forge FC. Formerly of Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, he has been working within the sport industry for a combined eight-year period, including the last five at Forge FC where he has helped to develop the business side of the club and its fanbase.

Panel #2: Communications, PR, and Marketing Strategies

Experienced soccer executive Duncan Stewart will be joined by Dave Zbar and Laura Armstrong, behind-the-scenes staff from Simcoe County Rovers and the Canadian Premier League respectively, to shine a light on using communication to build relationships with the community, alongside moderator and League1 announcer Alf De Blasis.

More about: Duncan Stewart

A former professional soccer player in England and Germany, Stewart has decades of commercial and marketing experience. He was heavily involved in launching Manchester United’s first fan loyalty program and now works for Fan.Plus, helping clubs create unique, immersive, and interactive experiences for their supporters.

More about: Dave Zbar

Experienced digital marketeer, Zbar is an investor in Simcoe County Rovers and, in October 2023, was appointed to the Board of Directors at Ontario Soccer. Away from soccer, he is the President of marketing agency My Left Foot and continues to educate the media managers of the next generation through his work at Centennial College.

More about: Alf De Blasis

Alf has been a multimedia professional for more than 35 years. He is currently an independent media creator and consultant, leveraging his former experiences as a Senior Producer and host for both TLN Telelatino Network and OMNI TV – where he produced prestigious international sporting events like the FIFA World Cup – in addition to working with OneSoccer, Sportsnet & TSN Radio.

Panel #3: Creating a Winning Fan Experience

Simcoe President Peter Raco returns for his second panel alongside fellow leaders of League1 Ontario clubs, Martin Beswick from St Catharines Roma Wolves and Adam Condido from Woodbridge Strikers. These three speakers have helped to create positive matchday experiences and will engage in a discussion alongside Hamilton Sports Group’s Mark McGinley and moderator Chris McKee who is a League1 announcer.

More about: Peter Raco

Raco is a founder and co-owner of Simcoe County Rovers, where he has served as Chief Executive Officer since the club’s inaugural season and as President since January 2024. He has a wealth of expertise in leadership, finance, and strategic growth from senior roles at KPMG Canada and Business Development Bank of Canada, and continues to be the President of RAM Asset Management outside of soccer.