News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 10, 2013) - Time is running out for youth soccer teams across Canada to have a chance to bring a $125,000 field refurbishment to their local community. With only three days left, BMO is encouraging Canadians to nominate their local team for the chance to vie for the title of BMO Team of the Week 2013 Champion.

BMO has recognized thirteen teams so far this year, and there are only two more spots remaining. For each of the next two weeks, BMO will select a Team of the Week from the remaining nominees. The last Team of the Week selection will be made on July 24.

August 5^th through August 19^th the Canadian public have an opportunity to vote for the finalist they believe to be most deserving of the Team of the Week crown. The 2013 BMO Team of the Week Champion will claim the grand prize of $125,000 towards the refurbishment of a local soccer field, 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.

"This is a great opportunity for soccer fans across Canada to bring national recognition to their community and their young athletes," said Justine Fedak, Senior Vice-President, Branding, Advertising & Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "Being named BMO Team of the Week 2013 Champion would be a great source of pride for your community, and the grand prize will create a legacy that the entire community can enjoy well into the future."

The BMO Team of the Week contest, open to youth soccer players aged 7-12, recognizes local youth soccer teams who demonstrate team pride, spirit, community commitment and passion for the game. Until July 12, Canadian soccer coaches, parents and community members can nominate their favourite youth soccer team at BMOsoccer.com. Plus, nominators get the chance to earn 200 Bonus AIR MILES reward miles for their submission. BMO Team of the Week has also gained momentum with Canadian National Women's Team stars Diana Matheson, Erin McLeod and Rhian Wilkinson acting as BMO Team of the Week Ambassadors.

All 15 weekly BMO Team winners will receive a celebration at their local BMO branch, $500, BMO Team of the Week tracksuits and a $500 donation to a local charity. Each of the winning teams will become finalists for the grand prize and vie for the title of BMO Team of the Week 2013 Champion, a title that is decided by the Canadian public through online daily voting at BMOsoccer.com from August 5-19, 2013.

BMO Team of the Week Winners for 2013:

Week #1 - Hollandia Gremio

Week #2 - Monteuil Sparta

Week #3 - Blizzard Bayern

Week #4 - St. Catharines Roma

Week #5 - Coastal FC Thunder

Week #6 - Cambridge United

Week #7 - Scotia Soccer Club Tier 2 U12A Girls

Week #8 - Harbour City FC - Team France

Week #9 - Scottish United U12 Girls

Week #10 - Cataraqui Clippers U12 Girls

Week #11 - Girls U9 Aurora Stingers' A Team

Week #12 - Halifax Dunbrack U10B Girls

Week #13 - North Vancouver Surge

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 1,000 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).

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 17, and entered for a chance to be voted by Canadians as 2013 BMO Team of the Week Champion. The grand prize includes a $125,000 refurbishment of their community soccer field and a road trip to a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact, or Canadian National Team home game. Former BMO Team of the Week Champions include Glen Shields Sun Devils 2000 (2011) and Ladner Storm (2012).