News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - April 2, 2012) - BMO Financial Group today launched the second season of its nationwide youth soccer program, BMO Team of the Week. The contest, open to youth soccer players ages 7-12, recognizes 15 weekly winners who demonstrate team pride, spirit, community commitment and passion for the game.

The 2012 Champion will be crowned this summer when Canadians cast their vote to select their favourite team from the 15 weekly winners. The winning team will receive: $125,000 towards a field refurbishment; a trip to see a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact or Canadian National Team home match; and a $5,000 donation to the team's charity of choice.

"The response we had last year to the BMO Team of the Week program was truly amazing, as 300,000 Canadians from communities across Canada - from Whitehorse, Yukon to Gabriola Island, B.C. to Hunter River, P.E.I. and everywhere in between - voted for their favourite teams," said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Corporate Advertising & Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "We've heard from people across the country who have told us that the program has done an excellent job in promoting the value of participating in sport, along with the importance of being involved in the community. Our hope is that the achievements of last year's winners will encourage other youth soccer teams across Canada to rise to the challenge and participate."

For the next 15 weeks, Canadian soccer coaches, parents and community members can nominate their favourite youth soccer team aged 7-12 at BMOsoccer.com. BMO Team of the Week winners will be announced weekly starting on April 18^th, and will receive $500, Team of the Week tracksuits, and a donation to a local charity. Each of the winning teams will become finalists for the grand prize and Canadians can vote for the winner starting on August 13^th at BMOsoccer.com.

To learn more about the contest, including the story of last year's winner, click here.

BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion: Glen Shields Sun Devils

Last year's BMO Team of the Week champion, the Glen Shields Sun Devils, U - 11 girls team from Vaughan, Ontario, have since put their title - and the prize - to good use. In addition to raising money of their own, the team successfully rallied the community and the City of Vaughan council to help with a larger refurbishment of their local soccer field. They also generously gave the $5,000 donation from BMO to the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

About BMO and Soccer

BMO supports soccer across Canada from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities all the way up 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 900 youth teams nationally. The relationship continues with support of Canada's men's and women's national teams, our professional teams (Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact) and our soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field).

Internet: www.BMOsoccer.com