- Kia Canada Inc. acquires naming rights to TFC Academy and Toronto FC's Training Facility at Downsview Park
DOWNSVIEW PARK, ON, May 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Toronto FC (TFC) and Kia Canada Inc. announced Tuesday that the automobile manufacturer has acquired the naming rights to Toronto FC's Training Ground and TFC's Academy. Named the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy, this state-of-the-art facility and soccer program will look to develop the next generation of Canadian players through coaching, training, technology, equipment and support.
"We're excited to extend our relationship with Kia Canada to include Toronto FC's practice facility and Academy," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Kia's support for soccer across Canada has been terrific and this naming rights partnership for Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy will support driving change for soccer at all levels."
Located on 14-acres of land at Downsview Park, Kia Training Ground represents a $20 million investment made by Toronto FC and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in the future of Canadian soccer. After benchmarking some of the top soccer practice facilities in Europe, United Kingdom and North America, the Kia Training Ground will include three grass fields (one heated), one FieldTurf field with a bubble and a 40,000 square foot field house that will have locker rooms, training facilities and team offices. There will also be physiotherapy and rehabilitation area, private and cafeteria style dining, video presentation theatre. In the next phase of construction there will be a full-time residence for Academy players.
"The Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy strongly continue Kia's global commitment to soccer and take aim at the grass roots developmental stages of youth soccer athletes to provide them with the necessary resources to improve their skills and lead them to national and professional level play," said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Kia Canada Inc. "Being the automotive soccer brand globally, this new partnership continues our goal to become synonymous with the growth and development of soccer throughout Canada."
In the last 10 years, Downsview Park has established itself as a leading centre of athletic excellence and a premier sports destination in the Greater Toronto Area. Accessible by public transportation and close to the major arteries, Downsview Park's existing sports venues and amenities will complement Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy. Downsview Park already houses one of the biggest soccer facilities in the country with eight existing indoor and outdoor fields.
"We're excited about establishing Downsview Park as the home of the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy," said Bob Hunter, executive vice-president of venues and entertainment for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Our investment in what we hope becomes a recognized world-class facility speaks to our commitment to growing and developing soccer locally and nationally."
The completion of the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy brings to fruition the club's sport development vision to grow the game in Canada and provide Canadian players a world-class facility that will allow the next generation of professional soccer players to hone their skills.
Launched in 2008, the Toronto FC Academy's goal is to provide the most talented, committed and dedicated soccer players in the country an opportunity to receive advanced coaching instruction within the Academy structure and program. Currently, there are close to 50 players enrolled in the Kia Toronto FC Academy. Toronto FC players who have graduated from the Academy include: Doneil Henry, Ashtone Morgan, Keith Makubuya, Matt Stinson, Oscar Cordon and Nicholas Lindsay.
Kia Canada has a long-standing partnership as the official automotive partner of Toronto FC that started in the club's inception year 2007. As part of its partnership, Kia has various branding and promotional opportunities throughout BMO Field and with Toronto FC including an opportunity for fans to see the special edition Toronto FC Optima, and other vehicles on the concourse level of the stadium. Kia has also built a strong reputation for its support of soccer at all levels across the world. They are the official Automotive Partner of the FIFA World Cup and Euro 2012.
Construction on the Kia Training Grounds and Kia Toronto FC Academy will be completed in summer 2012. For more information, visit www.torontofc.ca
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Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 173 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 158 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]
Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
(O): 905.755.6415
(C): 647.462.8986
e-mail: [email protected]
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