News Releases

BLAINVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - June 15, 2011) -

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

BMO Financial Group announced today that the Blainville Under-11 MAA boys soccer team 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 its local soccer field.

"The boys have been playing soccer since they were five years old. Whether it's good weather, bad weather, summer or winter, they meet three evenings a week to play, and each time they give it their all," said Vincent Griet, team coach of Blainville MAA. "With years of practice, coaching, discipline, effort and love for the game, they've reached the competitive level and have won several championships and tournaments, including the 2010 Laurentian Cup. Blainville MAA has also been awarded several trophies for its team spirit. I'm very proud of each of these dedicated and talented young players."

The team also takes time to volunteer in the local community, raising funds for children with cancer through the Leucan Association for Children with Cancer Shaved Head Challenge. The team also participates in the annual run organized by the Fondation des Gouverneurs de l'Espoir, an organization dedicated to supporting healthcare providers and researchers that treat children with cancer.

"Congratulations to Blainville MAA. It is wonderful to see that this talented, yet humble team works together off the field to raise awareness and support for children living with cancer," said Mario Rigante, District Vice-President, BMO Bank of Montreal. "These inspirational and giving young boys illustrate the essence of the BMO Team of the Week contest by showing spirit and determination on the field, dedication to each other and compassion for others."

The Blainville U11 MAA is the ninth 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 Blainville U11 MAA 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 release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110614-bmo0615blainville800.jpg.