News Releases

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 9, 2012) -

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

As part of its nationwide youth soccer program, BMO Financial Group announced today the latest BMO Team of the Week winner. The Ottawa Royals Futuro U-10 boys were recognized for their achievements on and off the field in their hometown.

"This team is based on a program that goes beyond soccer. As coaches, our goal is to provide each player with the ability to reach his potential," said Sanjeev Parmar, head Coach of the Ottawa Royals Futuro. "When we're not on the field, we're building as a team or reaching out to the community. Being recognized as BMO Team of the Week is truly an honour and a testament to the fact that we have something special."

The Ottawa Royals Futuro are the fourth of 15 youth soccer teams (age 7-12) across Canada to be selected as weekly winners based on team pride, team spirit, community involvement and passion for the game. The winners will then vie for the title of 2012 BMO Team of the Week Champion, to be selected by the Canadian public. Online voting will begin on August 13.

"This is a remarkable group of young players led by a truly dedicated coaching staff. The program of this team has set these boys on a path to becoming talented and well-rounded young men," said Carolyn Booth, District Vice-President, Eastern Ontario, BMO Financial Group. "Collecting 1,000 pairs of cleats for children in India has been a major undertaking, resulting in donations from across the country. It is with pleasure that we announce the Ottawa Royals Futuro as a BMO Team of the Week."

About BMO Team of the Week

BMO Team of the Week is Canada's premier sport celebration at the grassroots level, engaging a nation and inspiring communities by recognizing youth soccer teams who demonstrate team pride, team spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. Fifteen weekly winners will be named BMO Team of the Week starting April 18, and entered for a chance to be voted by Canadians as BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion. The grand prize includes a $125,000 refurbishment of their community soccer field, a road trip to a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact FC, or Canadian National Team home game, plus a $5,000 donation to the team's charity of choice.

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