The first of the new club profiles focuses on OSU Force - a significant addition to the men's east division that will represent the tremendous depth of player quality in the nation's capital.

One of the largest clubs in the country with approximately 7,000 members, the club has several key strategic partnerships in place, a unique structure that emulates the professional club model, and has developed a strong presence in high-ranking college/ university programs both locally and further afield.

"OSU is a big believer in strategic partnerships and alliances and in 2007 we partnered with the Dallas Texans - one of the top youth clubs in the U.S.," said OSU GM, Jim Lianos. "The partnership helped OSU become the only affiliated Nike premier club in Canada as well, and allowed our top teams to gain access to such prestigious showcase tournament as the Dallas Cup, Disney College Showcase, Nike friendlies to name a few."

"This has helped expose our players to colleges and universities both in the US and Canada and we're proud that we have helped over 170 players earn scholarships to post-secondary schools," he added.

The club also made other key strategic moves, for instance in their selection of technical staff as well as relationships with some leading professional organizations - both of which have paid off for the club in recent years.

"In 2012 the club hired a new technical director Paul Harris from Everton FC to lead the next generation of development for OSU its coaches and players," explained Lianos.

"And then in 2016 we partnered with the Vancouver Whitecaps in their project to launch the Whitecaps Ottawa Academy."

"As a result, over the years OSU has developed a reputation of developing players for not only university and college but also players for the provincial, national youth teams as well as professional clubs in the MLS and Europe," said Lianos.