West Ottawa Soccer Club

Interim Executive Director support for the the premier soccer club in the National Capital region

Key Outcomes

1️⃣ Stabilized and addressed all risks to operations.

2️⃣ Completed a gap analysis to establish a clear roadmap and action plan for the Board and future leadership.

3️⃣ Set up the new permanent leadership for success with a stabilized organization, improved policies and processes, and a clear first‑90‑day action plan.

4️⃣ Established standard operating procedures (SOPs) and core processes.

5️⃣ Overhauled finance and accounting to introduce best practices, accountability, internal controls, and operational efficiencies.

6️⃣ Strengthened Board governance and structure; established committees to enable an effective, strategic Board with clear connections to operations.

7️⃣ Created processes and materials to support a successful Annual General Meeting (AGM).

8️⃣ Redesigned the organization structure to properly support all aspects of the business.

9️⃣ Introduced a practical budget framework and reusable templates.

The Challenge

During a period of leadership transition, West Ottawa Soccer Club (WOSC) required immediate stabilization and clear, coordinated direction. Operational risks and gaps in policy and process were creating pressure on staff and volunteers, while the Board needed confidence that governance, financial controls, and day‑to‑day operations were sound.

WOSC engaged Differly to provide interim executive leadership, establish stability, and prepare the organization for a successful hand‑off to permanent leadership.

Our Process

We delivered a fast, collaborative engagement designed to stabilize first, then enable improvement:

  • Rapid discovery & alignment. Interviews and workshops with the Board, staff, and key volunteers to confirm priorities, decision rights, and immediate risks.
  • 90‑day stabilization plan. A time‑boxed plan focused on operational continuity, safety, and member experience - sequencing actions across governance, finance, human resources and operations.
  • Controls, policies & SOPs. Drafted and implemented fit‑for‑purpose policies, SOPs, and templates to standardize critical workflows.
  • Financial reset. Assessed the finance function and implemented best‑practice controls, reporting cadence, and budgeting templates to improve visibility and accountability.
  • Board enablement. Clarified roles and decision pathways; stood up committees with charters and calendars to connect strategy with operations.
  • Leadership transition enablement. Developed onboarding materials, a first‑90‑days action plan, and a practical operating rhythm for the incoming leadership team.

Following the initial stabilization, Differly provided continuity through the AGM and the leadership transition period - coaching emerging leaders, monitoring controls, and ensuring the new operating rhythm, budgeting cycle, and committee structures were working as intended. We completed a structured hand‑off to permanent leadership with clear documentation and a prioritized roadmap.

Differly’s partnership with West Ottawa Soccer Club delivered organizational stability, transparent governance, and modernized financial practices, creating a resilient foundation for programs, members, and community impact.

“During our period of transition, the Differly team delivered critical and timely leadership - swiftly partnering with both the Board and our staff to provide essential continuity, stability, and strategic guidance. Their collaborative approach ensured not only that decisions were aligned and effective, but also that staff and Board felt secure, respected, and genuinely valued every step of the way. We highly recommend them.”

Marriam Kinny, Vice Chair, Board of Directors