Youth Soccer Experience with Toronto FC and Chevrolet

In partnership with Toronto FC, Chevrolet and MLS hosted an event at BMO Training Grounds, giving youth soccer players a chance to learn new skills, make new friends, meet Toronto FC players and, most importantly, have fun!

The Toronto FC x Chevrolet youth soccer event, held on October 19th, 2024 at BMO Training Grounds brought youth clubs from across Greater Toronto area for an unforgettable experience. This exciting event gave young soccer players a unique opportunity to learn from Toronto FC’s first team coaches and players along with academy coaches for a chance to learn new skills, make new friends and be inspired.

In collaboration with Ontario Soccer Association, we recognized youth soccer players from the following soccer clubs: North Toronto Soccer Club, Islington Rangers, Whitby FC and Pickering FC.

Warm Up

The clinic began with interactive warm-up exercises on the practice field, where youth players and Toronto FC Academy coaches worked together to create fun ways to warm up, meet new teammates, and settle into the environment. After warming up, the players had the chance to mix things up and play several rounds of pickup soccer, learning to depend on their new teammates and build confidence as a group.

Lunch, Q&A and Autograph Session

The youth players and their coaches gathered for a lunch, where they could relax and socialize with their new friends from other clubs. Afterward, they had a chance to sit down with the Toronto FC players for a Q&A session.

Toronto FC players in attendance were Richie Laryea, Kobe Franklin, Sean Johnson, Sigurd Rosted, Raoul Petretta, Shane O’Neil, Matty Longstaff, Alonso Coello, Tyrese Spicer, Brandon Servania and Kosi Thompson.

The kids eagerly asked questions about training, favourite players and match memories, and advice on improving their game. The players shared personal stories, offered encouragement, and emphasized the importance of hard work and passion for the sport.

The Q&A session concluded with an autograph signing, where each kid received signatures on their new Chevrolet x MLS training shirts.

The Clinic

Following the Q&A session, the clinic shifted focus to three skill development stations led by Academy coaches, alongside Toronto FC Assistant Coach Terry Dunfield and U-14 Coach Nemanja Jovanovic. The stations covered dribbling drills, shooting practice, and techniques for accurate passing and effective receiving. Alongside the Toronto FC players, the young participants engaged in interactive training designed to emphasize the importance of communication, support, and unity as keys to success in soccer. The professional players also shared insights on how teamwork, even at the highest level, is crucial for winning games and overcoming challenges.

At the end of the event, each youth participant left BMO Training Grounds with not only lasting memories but also special gifts. They received a Chevrolet-branded bag filled with an MLS soccer ball, a Toronto FC scarf, a participant certificate, and a ribbon.

This special event brought together aspiring youth players in a fun, educational, and motivating setting, leaving each kid with lasting memories, new friendships, and a closer connection to the world of professional soccer.