News Releases

PITT MEADOWS, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - June 8, 2011) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

BMO Financial Group announced today that the Rockets, an under-10 girls team from Pitt Meadows, has been selected this week's BMO Team of the Week. The team is now eligible to be the BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion and win $125,000 to upgrade their local soccer field.

"For the last three years, the Rockets have been successful both on and off the field. Not only do these girls know how to move the ball, they are noted for their respect of other players and teams. Congratulations to the Rockets on a well-merited BMO Team of the Week win," said Henry Donkers, District Vice-President, Vancouver Suburban, BMO Bank of Montreal.

"Every single week, whether it is raining, snowing or cold, each player is excited and eager to come to practice and play – they are unhappy if I even think about cancelling a practice. They are not afraid to try new things and are always willing to learn from their mistakes," said Jamie Schwingenschloegl, coach of the Rockets. "The young girls are also great community role models. This year the team participated in a local food bank drive and collected more than 700 items. I am very proud to coach such a talented and considerate group of young girls."

The Rockets are the eighth of 15 youth soccer teams (age 7-12) across Canada that will be selected between April 1 and June 30 as weekly BMO Team of the Week winners based on team pride, spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. The winners will then vie for the title of BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion, to be selected by the Canadian public through online voting as of August 1.

The Rockets team profile can be viewed at www.BMOsoccer.com.

BMO Team of the Week Game Plan

From April 1 to June 30, Canadian soccer coaches and parents can nominate their favourite soccer team by logging on to www.BMOsoccer.com.

A panel of judges will select a weekly winner and each BMO Team of the Week will receive $500, track suits and a gift to a charity of their choice.

Canadians can vote for their favourite BMO Team of the Week beginning in August. The Champion will receive $125,000 toward a field refurbishment, a trip to see a Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps FC home game, and $5,000 to a charity of their choice.

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 with our grassroots sponsorship of more than 900 youth teams nationally. The relationship continues with support of Canada's men's and women's national teams, professional teams (Toronto FC & Vancouver Whitecaps FC) and our soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field).

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110607-bmo0608rockets800.jpg.