The Canadian Soccer Association today announced a long-term partnership agreement with new Premier Partner Bell Canada that will spur the continued growth and popularity of Canada’s largest participatory sport for men and women, young and old.
Continuing the momentum from the recent success of Canada’s Women’s National Team at London 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the Men’s National Team, Bell’s partnership provides the Canadian Soccer Association with strong financial and marketing support for Canada’s national teams and the sport across the country.
“We couldn’t ask for a better partner,” proclaimed Peter Montopoli, General Secretary of the Canadian Soccer Association. “Bell is one of Canada’s most recognized brands with a long history of supporting Olympic and amateur sports. We are excited that Bell will be more closely involved with the world’s most popular game which has seen unprecedented growth in popularity here in Canada.”
In addition to officially branding the training kits of all 12 Men’s and Women’s National Team Programs, Bell has committed to work closely with the Canadian Soccer Association to build a grassroots experiential program that will help young, female soccer players get closer to their national heroes while contributing to their physical and mental wellness.
“We see soccer as the ultimate participation sport and are excited to play a role in connecting aspiring athletes with their soccer heroes,” said Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility and Residential Services and Bell’s Chief Brand Officer. “Through our commitment to delivering the best content across all screens, Canadian soccer fans will have even better access to their teams. With Bell, cheering for Canadian soccer just got better.”
Melissa Tancredi, Olympic bronze medallist and a veteran member of the Women’s National Team added, “All nationally-carded athletes have amazing support from Bell via the Athletes Connect phone program, but to wear the training kit proudly and to see what they are going to do for young, female soccer players, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic on our journey towards the next FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted here in Canada.”
“On behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee, we want to congratulate the Canadian Soccer Association and Bell on forging this great partnership said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Bell has been a passionate supporter of amateur athletes and we are pleased that they will support a sport that brought so many Canadians such great national pride when they captured the bronze medal at the London 2012 Olympics.”
As part of the agreement, all FIFA World Cup Qualifiers™ featuring Canada will be available live on Bell Mobile TV beginning with the October 12th match vs. Cuba and October 16th match vs. Honduras.
Bell’s logo will be featured on training kits and apparel used by all of Canada’s 12 Men’s and Women’s National Teams. Select training apparel will also be available for public purchase in 2013.
The Canadian Men’s National Team next plays Friday, October 12 at 7:30 pm against Cuba at BMO Field
