The Ontario Trillium Foundations generous funding enabled The OSA to run a Pilot Project starting in late 2007 and finishing in spring 2009. This project involved the work of 7 Clubs and 4 Districts:

• Ancaster Soccer Club (Hamilton and District Soccer Association)
• Saltfleet Go-Ahead Soccer Club (Hamilton and District Soccer Association)
• Innisfil Soccer Club (Huronia Soccer Association)
• Wasaga Beach Soccer Club (Huronia Soccer Association)
• Whitby Iroquois Soccer Club (Durham Region Soccer Association)
• Pickering Soccer Club (Durham Region Soccer Association)
• Kanata Soccer Club (Eastern Ontario District Soccer Association)

 The Pilot required each club to identify every aspect of their activities and then rank them from essential to non-essential. Three clearly defined tiers appeared and with some discussion they have formed the basis of the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. A philosophy also runs through each of the levels:

• Bronze: The first step and one that demands presentation by a Club of all mandatory OSA documentation. Bronze is about good housekeeping, no matter what size of Club applies. Knowing where the essential documentation exists that clarifies a Clubs existence is just Good Practice.
  
  
• Silver: A Club will still need to provide the Bronze evidence with some additional examples of Good Practice. Templates can be provided for many of these requirements that will help a Club run more effectively and efficiently. Clubs that are proactive in the development of their Board and Volunteers will shine at this level.
  
  
• Gold: With Bronze and Silver requirements safely met a Club really gets the chance to excel by providing evidence of long term planning and greater evidence of support for volunteers and the community. This planning helps establish continuity and raise a Club profile. 

Program Management

The Club Excellence Program is managed centrally by The OSA but works effectively through each of 21 District Associations and a team of Soccer Development Coordinators (SDC). Each SDC serves a cluster of Districts and works hand-in-hand with the District Association to serve their Member Clubs. The SDC is able to share Good Practice between Clubs, Districts and Leagues to help improve the game. SDC’s also provide a focal point for the facilitation of Club Development Workshops. The development of Club, District and League is an important part of The OSA’s vision and is to be seen as an ongoing process that will help develop and mould the Club Excellence Program.

Steps to Success

1. Club makes contact with their District Association expressing an interest in the Program
2. Soccer Development Coordinator will be activated to meet with Club and make presentation to the Club Board or a Club Official
3. Application Process begins with Club providing relevant information and evidence working closely with Soccer Development Coordinator
4. Soccer Development Team review application and confirm details with District Staff, League Staff and other parties as appropriate
5. Level of Award is confirmed and announced at District Meeting and as part of The OSA AGM & Banquet