News Releases

• Four-year partnership extends and enhances BMO's support of Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Partnership has a youth focus with “Kickin' with the ‘Caps” program
• BMO “Power of Blue” program continues at all Whitecaps FC MLS home games

VANCOUVER, October 28, 2010 –  BMO – the Bank of Soccer in Canada – and Vancouver Whitecaps FC today announced a new four-year sponsorship agreement, which will see BMO become Whitecaps FC's first Founding Partner. BMO's new partnership with the club builds on its current five-year relationship and will focus on the bank's continued support for youth soccer.

As Whitecaps FC's first corporate partner in the Founding Partner tier, BMO will be the presenting sponsor of the Kickin' with the 'Caps community program. Kickin' with the 'Caps connects youth soccer clubs throughout the province of BC and integrates them into each Whitecaps FC MLS home match, providing them with a unique “field experience” and opportunities to fundraise for their club. Approximately 115 youth will participate in the program at each match.

“We're thrilled to join Whitecaps FC as a Founding Partner as they enter into their inaugural season in MLS,” said Rob Serraglio, Senior Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal, BC & Yukon Division. “BMO is pleased to be adding its brand to the beautiful and globally popular game of soccer through this Whitecaps FC partnership agreement. The expanded sponsorship with the Whitecaps youth programs fits in very nicely with our current grassroots support of girls' and boys' teams across Canada.”

BMO Financial Group supports soccer in Canada from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities, to the professional level. BMO's deep commitment to soccer is evident with their grassroots support of close to 500 youth teams nationally. 

BMO will also buddy-up with youth players in Vancouver through BMO Club Nights and Whitecaps FC training sessions featuring “chalk talks” from Whitecaps FC staff and autograph sessions with the Whitecaps FC players.

“BMO has been a tremendous partner throughout the years and we are very excited to have them with us as we enter into a new era with our club,” added Paul Barber, Chief Executive Officer, Whitecaps FC. “This partnership demonstrates our mutual commitment to growing the sport of soccer in BC and Canada, and as our second major partner announcement, continues to build on the excitement for Major League Soccer.”

In addition to presenting the Kickin' with the ‘Caps program, BMO customers will continue to enjoy BMO's Power of Blue program at all Whitecaps FC MLS home matchers. The program delivers unique perks and privileges to customers attending BMO sponsored events across the country.

At every Whitecaps FC MLS match, BMO customers will have:

• The opportunity to get seat upgrades and VIP treatment with the BMO Move of the Match
• Unique experiences through other BMO Power of Blue elements

About BMO and Soccer

BMO supports soccer across Canada from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities, to the professional level. Our deep commitment to "The Beautiful Game" is evident from the beginning of the curve with our grassroots sponsorship of more than 500 youth teams nationally. The relationship continues with our title support of elite youth players at BMO National Championships through to our professional teams support (Toronto FC & Vancouver Whitecaps FC) combined with soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field in Toronto).

About Vancouver Whitecaps FC

In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. In 2011, Whitecaps FC will begin their inaugural season in Major League Soccer at Empire Field before moving into the new BC Place Stadium in downtown Vancouver. For additional information on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.

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For News Media Enquiries:

Laurie Grant, BMO Financial Group, Vancouver, (604) 665-7596, laurie.grant@bmo.com

Peter Scott, BMO Financial Group, Toronto, (416) 867-3996, petere.scott@bmo.com

Nathan Vanstone, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 604-629-2251, nvanstone@whitecapsfc.com

www.BMOsoccer.com offers soccer fans soccer skill instructions, information about upcoming Play Soccer and Mini Soccer Festival events in towns across the country, plus soccer contests, downloads, and more.