Toronto to host massive soccer festival in August… for a good cause

We have seen road hockey tournaments that raise funds for charities. Same goes for the running community. On any given weekend in any Canadian city, you can jog or run to raise money for a good cause. There have been attempts at playing the world’s longest hockey games, there have been cycling events for charity.

But what about the soccer world?

In August, Toronto hosts what organizers call the “world’s first epic mass participation, grassroots soccer fundraising event.” The Festival of Football aims to gather clubs that encompass a variety of age and skill levels Aug. 18 at the Eglinton Flats Premier Pitches. The funds raised are earmarked for the West Park Healthcare Centre. More than 100 teams are expected to play in a six-on-six format.

Each team would play five games and there will be food, drinks and interactive exhibits on site to make for a full day celebration of the sport.

A national spokesman, expected to be a former national-team player, for the Festival of Football is expected to be named in the coming days.

The fee for each player is $45, and each participating team will be challenged to raise $8,000 for the cause. It’s not that daunting a target. If there are 10 players on a team, each member would need to raise $800.

West Park Healthcare helps patients who have suffered trauma from severe accidents, such as vehicle collisions or workplace incidents. They help patients recover from the accident and/or adapt to a new lives with artificial limbs. The facility also deals with patients who are rehabbing after a severe illness. CLICK HERE for more.

To register a team for the tournament or to learn more about the Festival of Football, CLICK THIS LINK.