MLS Toronto FC

Kia, Toronto FC Team up to Drive Change in Canadian Soccer

Published on May 29, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Toronto FC and Kia Canada Inc. announced Tuesday that the automobile manufacturer has acquired the naming rights to Toronto FC's Training Ground and Academy Program. Named the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy, this state-of-the-art facility and soccer program will look to develop the next generation of Canadian players through coaching, training, technology, equipment and support.

"We're excited to extend our relationship with Kia Canada to include Toronto FC's training ground and Academy," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Kia is a great global brand and their support for soccer across Canada has been terrific. This partnership with Kia for the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy will support driving change for soccer at all levels."

Located on 14-acres of land at Downsview Park, the Kia Training Ground represents a $21 million investment made by Toronto FC and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in the future of Canadian soccer. After benchmarking some of the top soccer practice facilities in Europe, United Kingdom and North America, the Kia Training Ground will include three full size grass fields (two heated), four artificial fields, including two with air-supported bubbles for year-round use, and a 40,000 square foot field house that will have locker rooms, training facilities and team offices. There will also be a physiotherapy and rehabilitation area, private and cafeteria style dining, video presentation theatre and a full-time residence for Academy players.

"The Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy strongly continue Kia's global commitment to soccer and take aim at the grass roots developmental stages of youth soccer athletes to provide them with the necessary resources to improve their skills and lead them to national and professional level play," said Maria Soklis, vice-president and chief operating officer for Kia Canada Inc. "Being the automotive soccer brand globally, this new partnership continues our goal to become synonymous with the growth and development of soccer throughout Canada."

In the last 10 years, Downsview Park has established itself as a leading centre of athletic excellence and a premier sports destination in the Greater Toronto Area. Accessible by public transportation and close to the major arteries, Downsview Park's existing sports venues and amenities will complement the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy. Downsview Park already houses one of the biggest soccer facilities in the country with eight existing indoor and outdoor fields.

"We're excited about establishing Downsview Park as the home of the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy," said Bob Hunter, executive vice-president of venues and entertainment for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Our investment in what we hope becomes a recognized world-class facility speaks to our commitment to growing and developing soccer locally and nationally."

The completion of the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy brings to fruition the club's sport development vision to grow the game in Canada and provide Canadian players a world-class facility that will allow the next generation of professional soccer players to hone their skills.

Launched in 2008, the Academy Program's goal is to provide the most talented, committed and dedicated soccer players in the country an opportunity to receive advanced coaching instruction within the Academy structure and program. Currently, there are close to 50 players enrolled in the Kia Toronto FC Academy. Toronto FC players who have graduated from the Academy include: Doneil Henry, Ashtone Morgan, Keith Makubuya, Matt Stinson, Oscar Cordon, Quillan Roberts and Nicholas Lindsay.

Kia Canada has a long-standing partnership with Toronto FC since 2007 as their official automotive partner. As part of its partnership, Kia has various branding and promotional opportunities with Toronto FC including a chance for fans to see the special edition Toronto FC Optima, and other vehicles on the concourse level of BMO Field, the club's home stadium located at Exhibition Place. Kia has also built a strong reputation for its support of soccer at all levels across the world. They are the official Automotive Partner of the FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012.

Construction on the Kia Training Grounds and Kia Toronto FC Academy will be completed in summer 2012. For more information, visit www.torontofc.ca.

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