However, the club did balk at one requirement for entry into OPDL — turning over its financial records. The OSC offered to let the OSA’s evaluators come to the club to review its books, but it hesitated to turn over the information due to concerns about confidentiality.

“Meeting the criteria required for entry in the OPDL is a difficult task and requires significant planning, commitment and resources,” said OSA president Ron Smale while announcing the four new OPDL members Monday.

Harris said he couldn’t comment on what changed between the club’s original and latest bid, saying the club signed an agreement with the Ontario Soccer Association to not discuss bid details.

He did say the club is focusing its attention on preparing for entry into the league rather than what happened in the past.

“I think it was a very fair process and a decision made by a strong advisory group,” he said. “We’re trying to live without a rearview mirror.”

“The new licencees have all gone through a rigourous assessment process,” Miller said. “They demonstrated technical, organizational and financial stability, and also the ability to nurture our future players in Ontario and future national team players.”

Harris did say that despite the fact the OSC appealed the original decision two years ago, the club maintains “a strong working relationship (with the OSA).”

Harris said one concern that has been raised about the OPDL is the cost for players to play in the league. He said club is very conscious of that.

“We plan to have the lowest price point in the OPDL,” he said. “We want everybody to get the opportunity to play. We don’t want the best players not being able to play because of cost.”

The club will begin its preparations for its first OPDL season by holding tryouts beginning in September at the Pine Glen Soccer Centre. The club will post details on its website when they are finalized.