Ahead of the 2023 Carnival season, Toronto FC has announced a partnership with Toronto Caribbean Carnival (TCC) to educate fans, empower the community and celebrate the Caribbean culture that touches the game and fans so closely. The partnership consists of a four-year financial commitment to support youth programming and TCC community initiatives.
“Sports have a unique power to bring people of all diverse backgrounds together and Toronto FC is proud to call a city with so much diversity and culture home,” says Justin Morrow, Technical Development Manager and alumnus, Toronto FC. “Through our partnership with TCC, we look forward providing fans the opportunity to learn and celebrate the vibrant Caribbean culture embedded in our city and in our club.”
A key initiative Toronto FC and TCC will collaborate on is the Young Learners development program. With the participation of select Toronto District School Board (TDSB) elementary schools, Young Learners aims to educate youth on Caribbean culture and history through engaging workshops, culinary work and creative arts. A portion of Toronto FC’s partnership commitment will go towards amplifying the programming and ensuring participating youth have the materials and educators needed. MLSE LaunchPad, the organization’s space that provides youth access to free sports programs while developing life skills and physical and mental well-being, will host a Young Learners session this fall.
"Just as the Carnival unites cultures through the celebration of diversity, this partnership is rooted in our shared commitment to unity and inclusivity. It exemplifies the power of teamwork and the fusion of sports and culture,” says Mischka Crichton, Chief Executive Officer, Festival Management Committee, organizers of Toronto Caribbean Carnival. “This partnership ignites the spirit of togetherness that embodies the heart and soul of Toronto. I couldn’t be more excited to be on this exhilarating journey with TFC and I thank them for their support and for the opportunity to honour and celebrate this important intersection of sport and culture."
The partnership will also see TCC consulting on Toronto FC’s annual Caribbean Heritage Nights, amplifying them to new heights. TCC will support in ensuring an authentic experience for fans from helping to source performers and suppliers to including participants of the Junior Carnival Parade into the game’s opening ceremony. Additionally, TCC has collaborated on the launch strategy of an upcoming Toronto FC marquee apparel piece.
This season’s Caribbean Heritage Night takes place on July 8 at BMO Field when Toronto FC takes on St. Louis City SC.
