The BMO Financial Group has launched a major national soccer program called BMO Team of the Week. This is a contest open to young soccer players across Canada that will award 15 youth teams and give them the chance to win a grand prize which includes $125,000 to refurbish their community soccer pitch.

For the next 15 weeks, Canadian soccer coaches and parents can nominate their favourite youth soccer team at BMOsoccer.com. The Team of the Week winners will be announced every week starting on April 20. Winners of the award will receive $500, track suits and a donation to a local charity.

“BMO Team of the Week recognizes teams coast to coast for their achievements both on and off the field,” said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. “BMO is committed to making a difference in the communities in which we work and live. We are dedicated to supporting ‘The Beautiful Game’ and growing the soccer stars of tomorrow, through our sponsorship of over 10,000 young players from over 700 teams across the country.”

Each of the winning teams will become finalists for the grand prize and all Canadians will be able to vote for their favourite team starting August 1 at BMOsoccer.com. The BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion will receive a $125,000 field refurbishment, a trip to see a Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps FC home game and $5,000 to their chosen charity. “Soccer has long been the beloved sport of so many countries around the world, and is reaching new levels in Canada at both the youth and elite levels,” added Bourne. “All you need is a flat surface and a ball. This makes soccer one of the most accessible and affordable sports in the world, with an increasing participation rate among Canadians.”

“BMO likes to be involved in kids’ athletics,” said Burl Moody, area manager for personal banking in the South Okanagan and West and East Kootenays.