CSA Corporate Sponsors

[Joe MacCarthy]

For the Canadian NT to improve the program needs money, plain and simple. Rumour now has it that a Japanese electronics firm is ready to come on board

[Joe MacCarthy]

Canadian Soccer Association
Monday, May 08, 2006
CSA Introduces Sony of Canada as its Newest Corporate Partner
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2442

Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Soccer Association is pleased to announce that it has added Sony of Canada Ltd. to its expanding list of corporate partners. The partnership marks an unprecedented twelfth major corporate supporter of the national governing body for Canada’s largest participatory sport.

The Sony Corporation’s presence on the global soccer scene will be broadened by the partnership with the CSA, which will stretch from the National to grassroots level, with the electronic and computer product manufacturer as the title sponsor of Canada’s under-18 Club Championship.

"Sony of Canada is very proud to be associated with Soccer Canada as its Lifestyle Entertainment Partner," said Doug Wilson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Sony of Canada Ltd. "And, with Sony Corporation's multi-year global sponsorship of FIFA set to begin next year, we are also looking forward to working with Soccer Canada and FIFA to host the Under-20 World Cup here.”

As of 2006, the U-18 boys and girls National Club Championships will be known as the Sony Cup. The longstanding tradition of the U-18 National Club Championships dates back to the early 70’s, as the season ending culmination for the most highly skilled, competitive club teams in Canada.

The competition, which was held in Sydney, NS last year, will have Laval, QC play host this coming October. Sony of Canada’s partnership will also include associate partner status at the other National Club Championships including the Tide Cup and adidas Cup, the U-14 and U-16 National Club Championships respectively.

“Soccer is one of the fastest growing and most popular pursuits of young and young-at-heart Canadians. Our relationship with Soccer Canada will give us the opportunity to help grow the sport nationally while communicating to soccer enthusiasts the unique value proposition long associated with Sony products and services," continued Doug Wilson.

“We are extremely honoured to have entered into a national partnership with Sony of Canada as the exclusive and official supplier of consumer electronics products to our organization,” said Andy Sharpe, President, the Canadian Soccer Association. “Soccer in Canada has come a long way in a relatively short period of time and, with Sony of Canada’s support, we are confident we can take the game to the next level, particularly in terms of becoming more competitive internationally.”

Sony of Canada’s national level support will be felt at all games, and particularly, May 22nd in Victoria as Canada’s under-20 Men’s team will play host to Brazil’s under-20 Men’s team. The game will be presented by Sony, and is the second of a three game international friendly series with the football-crazed nation.

About Sony of Canada Ltd.

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in the manufacture and marketing of electronic and computer products for consumer, business, electronics publishing and multimedia applications on a global scale. With headquarters in Toronto, sales offices in Vancouver and Montreal and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia, and Whitby, Ontario, approximately 970 employees support 72 Sony stores and a network of more than 3,000 authorized dealers across Canada.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Tuesday, September 19, 2006
The Canadian Soccer Association announces groundbreaking agreement with adidas Canada Limited
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2537

The CSA confirms a second partnership with FIFA Global Partner

Ottawa, Ontario - The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) is pleased to announce that adidas Canada Limited and the CSA have entered into a new 5 year groundbreaking agreement.

This new agreement not only provides financial support but will ensure that the CSA and its National Teams will be equipped with leading edge adidas footwear and apparel by conducting product testing events that are unique to the industry.

These events will allow the CSA National Teams to test adidas soccer product and guarantee the best product and fit for the players. The product testing events will be open to the public and will provide an opportunity for soccer fans to come and meet National Team players and participate in product testing themselves.

The sponsorship positions adidas as a Primary Level Partner for all of Canada’s National Soccer Teams, as well as an Associate Level position for grass roots and elite development events. As one of six FIFA Global Partners, the renewal allows for a seamless integration and strong synergies between adidas, FIFA and the CSA on all soccer activities.

adidas, the global brand leader for soccer, has been a proud supporter of Canadian soccer, and a long time partner of the Canadian Soccer Association for well over 20 years

'adidas has committed to making new and very significant investments and contributions to Canadian soccer that will impact all areas of CSA programming,' said CSA COO, Kevan Pipe 'This renewed partnership, with an entirely new and higher level of support, will provide the CSA with new tools to achieve its objectives, both on and off the field. We are very pleased that the adidas Canada Limited will continue to support the efforts and achievements of our players and programs.'

“We are pleased to extend our relationship with the Canadian Soccer Association.Our strategy is to support and grow the sport of soccer in Canada. Extending our partnership with the CSA solidifies our strategic direction and compliments our soccer portfolio which includes FIFA, MLS and an extensive nationwide grass roots program,' said Jeff Cooper, Director, Marketing & Communications, adidas Canada.'We look forward to working with the CSA on all of their programs and we are very excited about the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup and all of the benefits it will bring to Canadian Soccer.'

The Canadian Soccer Association electronic newsletter is getting a face lift!

Canadian Soccer Members and Fans will be receiving frequent updates on Canadian Soccer news via the 'Adidas Boot Room' – Stay tuned!

FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007 – It’s gonna be huge

In 2007, the world’s biggest game is coming to Canada. Canada will host the World’s finest under-20 players in six cities across the country – Victoria, Burnaby, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal –June 30 - July 22, 2007.

The biennial event is second only to the FIFA World Cup™ in size and scope and will showcase the most talented under-20 soccer players in the world. The tournament has been the coming-out party for some of the game’s top players - Maradona, Saviola, Raúl, Marco Van Basten, Luis Figo, Ruiz Costa, Thierry Henry, Adriano, Roberto Carlos, Bebeto and Dunga as well as Canada’s Craig Forrest and many members of the current Men’s World Cup Team including Julian de Guzman, Paul Stalteri, Atiba Hutchinson and Iain Hume.

Last held in CONCACAF in 1983 in Mexico, Canada’s most recent participation in this event occurred last June in the Netherlands from June 10 - July 2, 2005.

Canada enjoyed it’s its best ever finish in a World Championship in December 2003, losing to eventual silver medalist Spain on a golden goal in the quarter finals in the United Arab Emirates.

For more information regarding the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007, please visit www.FIFA.com.

[Joe MacCarthy]

Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Canada’s largest supplier of sport medicine products partners with the Canadian Soccer Association
http://www.canadasoccer.com/eng/media/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=2542

Trainer’s Choice will act as the official supplier to Canadian National Soccer Teams

Ottawa, Ontario - Trainer’s Choice, Canada’s leading manufacturer and supplier of sport medicine products, and the Canadian Soccer Association have joined together to support our National Soccer Teams.

Trainer’s Choice is no stranger to amateur and professional sports. They were the medical supplier of the 2006 Canadian Olympic team in Torino, Italy and currently act as the official supplier to Hockey Canada, Professional Bull Riding and to the Canadian Athletic Therapist Association.

'Our Trainer’s Choice brand is well known across Canada for its highly functional and effective supports,' said Rick Schaly, A Certified Athletic Therapist and President of Trainer’s Choice. 'The quality we use in our Canadian manufacturing is essential to provide the protection that high performance athletes require.'

Providing braces and supports to high-level athletes is nothing new for Trainer’s Choice. The gold-medal-winning Canadian World Junior Hockey Team used Trainer’s Choice products at the World Junior Championships, held in Vancouver last season.

'This agreement has been structured to assist our National Soccer Players in prevention, recovery and treatment of injuries. Trainer’s Choice products will be used by the Canadian Soccer Medical Team during training and games,' said Kevan Pipe, CEO of the Canadian Soccer Association. 'This will be a major benefit to the performance of our athletes.'

Trainer’s Choice will also be actively involved with the U-20 Canadian Men’s National team during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Canada 2007.

Trainer’s choice products, proudly manufactured in Barrie, Ontario, can be found in major pharmacies across Canada.