The Kia Toronto FC Academy participated in a fundraising initiative to support the launch of the MLSE Foundation KickStart Program.

By selling Toronto FC tickets, in which a sum of each ticket sold would go to the program, the Academy was able to raise a total of $9,420.

A few families also wrote cheques donating money and some were kind enough to purchase tickets and donate them back to the KickStart program.

“We are thankful for the support we receive from Toronto FC Academy each and every year,” said Michael Bartlett, Executive Director of the MLSE Foundation.

“The Academy youth recognize the benefits of playing organized soccer with certified coaches and qualified mentors. They worked hard to raise funds for the KickStart Soccer Program which allows underserviced youth to have access to a free soccer program,” he added.

The total raised by the Academy allows 31 children to participate in the eight-week program.

The top fundraising Academy athletes presented a cheque to the MLSE Foundation at halftime of Toronto FC II’s match against New York Red Bulls II on August 22nd.

The KickStart program is a free, eight-week program that is happening in 15 GTA communities in partnership with Toronto Community Housing Corporation.
The program will be teaching over 300 children ages 6-12 introductory soccer skills, while also providing them with valuable self-esteem, fair play and leadership skills.
For more information on the program visit www.mlsefoundation.org