Major League Soccer Launches League-Wide Campaign to Raise Awareness for Breast Cancer
NEW YORK (September 30, 2010) – MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, announced the launch of a league-wide campaign to help in the fight against breast cancer. All 16 MLS clubs will conduct one night of local activation to raise awareness and funds for the cause throughout the month of October.
In collaboration with MLS corporate partners adidas, American Airlines and Gatorade, matches will be played with a commemorative pink adidas Jabulani match ball, stadiums will highlight the campaign with pink co-branded American Airlines field boards, and players will use pink sideline towels provided by Gatorade.
In addition, MLS players throughout the League will wear a special pink MLS W.O.R.K.S. ribbon patch on their jerseys, pink adidas sweat bands and several goalkeepers will use pink gloves to showcase their support.
“Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects both men and women,” said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president of MLS. “Major League Soccer is proud to collaborate with our clubs, players and corporate partners to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer.”
Game-worn autographed jerseys and the special-edition pink match balls will be available for auction at www.MLSsoccer.com/works beginning October 15 as part of League efforts to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment.
Limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness adidas products including scarves, sweat bands, hats, t-shirts and replica balls will be available for purchase at select stadiums and retailers. A portion of the proceeds from these sales and proceeds from the online auction will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
MLS clubs will conduct additional fundraising efforts in their communities, including in-stadium auctions and donating a portion of ticket sales proceeds, and/or hold recognition ceremonies for local survivors during the following home matches:
• Chicago Fire, October 12
• Chivas USA, October 9
• Colorado Rapids, October 2
• Columbus Crew, October 2
• D.C. United, October 23
• FC Dallas, October 9
• Houston Dynamo, October 10
• Kansas City Wizards, October 9
• LA Galaxy, October 16
• New York Red Bulls, October 9
• New England Revolution, October 2
• Philadelphia Union, October 16
• Real Salt Lake, October 16
• San Jose Earthquakes, October 20
• Seattle Sounders FC, October 2
• Toronto FC, October 16
To obtain a high-resolution digital photo of the commemorative pink adidas Jabulani match ball, please contact Sean Dennison with MLS Communications at sean.dennison@mlsnet.com.
ABOUT MLS W.O.R.K.S.
MLS W.O.R.K.S. is Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. For more information visit the Web site at www.MLSsoccer.com/works.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. MLS kicked off its 15th season on March 25, 2010. MLS features 16 clubs each playing 30 regular season matches in 2010. Those teams include Chicago Fire; Colorado Rapids; Chivas USA; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; Kansas City Wizards; Los Angeles Galaxy; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; 2009 MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Toronto FC; and, in their inaugural season, Philadelphia Union. Expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011. For more information about MLS, log on to the League’s official Web site at www.MLSsoccer.com.
