News Releases

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 10, 2011) - The Halifax County United U12 Girls' team are in the running to be named BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion and win the grand prize, which includes $125,000 to upgrade their community soccer pitch.

The champion team will also win a road trip to see a Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps FC home game and a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice. Canadians can log on to BMOsoccer.com to cast their vote. The team with the most number of votes will be the BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion.

"As the coaching staff of this team, we are very proud of how these girls carry themselves both on and off the field. We view soccer as a means through which we develop our teamwork, character and stretch for personal goals. As such, activities both on and off the field help us experience valuable life lessons. We believe every girl on our team possesses leadership qualities and we ask that our girls display that leadership with regularity. They are an incredible group of girls and we feel privileged to be part of their development into young confident women and citizens," said coaches Kevin McKenzie and Tracey Morash.

The girls and their families have been busy requesting support from various community partners such as local soccer clubs, Capital District Health, recreation facilities and many local businesses. They have also begun their own Facebook page where supporters can post messages, photos and videos. They have been able to reach out to their own community by meeting and greeting many residents, putting up posters and passing out flyers at local soccer events. There is even a challenge between the players' siblings on who can gather the most votes for the team.

The girls are winter season champions of the U12 Metro Indoor Soccer League Division 2 and gold medallists in the league. These amazing young players went undefeated last winter and held the top five spots in the league for goals scored. This year, the team has won gold at three different tournaments: HB Studios in Hebbville, NS; Dunbrack Tournament in Halifax, NS; and the Central Queens District Tournament held in Hunter River, P.E.I. The girls also won silver at the Gunn Baldursson tournament in the Annapolis Valley, NS.

The team has a conscience off the field, as well. The girls have donated backpacks of school supplies to local school children, participated in food drives and donated clothing and cleats. With the money from BMO Team of the Week, this team donated the funds to Kidsport, which helps other children get involved in sports who may not be financially able to do so.

When a player is injured or sick, they show compassion. They make funny get well cards and gather little gifts to make sure the absent teammate knows everyone is thinking of her. There is true camaraderie on and off the field, whether it's an after-practice trip to the ice-cream stand, a team barbecue or a swim at the pool. They love to spend time together.

"While all the girls have improved in their individual skills, it is the relationships and love for the game that has really blossomed over the years. Through this game they have learned to cooperate, problem-solve and support one another. It is these interpersonal skills that will have the greatest impact on their future success. As a reflection of the wonderful, encouraging and directed coaching, they play fair and always treat each other, coaches, referees, and all other teams with respect. This is an easy team to show support for; a team to be very proud of; a team that I couldn't be happier to say that my daughter is a part of!" said parents Alayne and Jay Power.

"I love playing on this team. We work really hard as a team in practices and in games and we cheer each other on from the sidelines. I have made many great friends on and off the field. We are always learning and getting better and having fun doing it. We are all really supportive of one another especially if one of my teammates is hurt or having a tough game. I think all kids should have a chance to be part of a great team just like me," said Sydney Phelan, forward for the Halifax County United team.

About BMO Team of the Week

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

A panel of judges selected weekly winners and each BMO Team of the Week received $500, track suits and a gift to a charity of their choice.

Canadians can vote for their favourite BMO Team of the Week until August 15. 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.