TORONTO FC, KIA, CITY OF TORONTO TEAM UP FOR THE FUTURE AT G. ROSS LORD PARK

Under 12 boys team wins the opportunity to work out with Toronto FC stars

Toronto FC and the MLSE Team Up Foundation, in partnership with Kia Canada Inc. and Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation department, teamed up to unveil two newly refurbished soccer pitches at G. Ross Lord Park on Tuesday. The refurbishment, funded by the MLSE Team Up Foundation, Kia Canada Inc. and Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation department, represents the sixth sports facility this year to benefit from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment’s (MLSE) and the MLSE Team Up Foundation’s hockey rink, basketball court and soccer pitch legacy program.

Toronto FC's Stefan Frei, Chad Barrett and their teammates and their teammates led youth from a local camp and a U12 boys team from Burlington through a series of drills during the hour-long event. The team from Burlington had previously won the chance to play with Toronto FC through a contest run by Kia Canada Inc..

“We’re thrilled to make a difference for the kids and families that will use this pitch and contribute to the growth of the beautiful game,” said Tom Anselmi, MLSE executive vice-president and COO. “The aspiring De Rosarios and de Guzmans of tomorrow need places to play and learn. Through our legacy program we’re trying to ensure that communities like this one have those facilities.”

De Rosario, de Guzman and Anselmi were joined by Mayor David Miller, Maria Soklis, Vice President and COO, Kia Canada Inc., Toronto City Councillor Mike Feldman and General Manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation Brenda Patterson.

“Kia Canada’s commitment is to Drive Change by helping to improve communities in Canada” said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kia Canada Inc. “We are both proud and excited to assist with the refurbishment  at G. Ross Lord Park for the players,  friends, neighbours and family that will enjoy this soccer pitch into the future.”  

The MLSE Team Up Foundation with the support of Toronto FC’s Corporate Partner KIA invested more than $60,000 in significant upgrades and improvements to G. Ross Lord Park, including the installation of new turf to key portions of the pitches, new player benches with awnings, repairs to the bleachers and a maintenance plan.