FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

* * * MEDIA ADVISORY * * *

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS FC JOIN MLS WORKS, CANADA SOCCER, SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE UNIVERSITY AND ADIDAS TO UNVEIL NEW SOCCER MINI-PITCH AT BRENNAN PARK RECREATION CENTRE IN SQUAMISH

State-of-the-art mini-pitch to provide local youth with a safe and accessible place to play

In partnership with Whitecaps FC, the new mini-pitch located at Brennan Park Recreation Centre in Squamish, is part of a commitment made by MLS WORKS, Canada Soccer, Southern New Hampshire University and adidas to build 20 mini-pitches in underserved communities across North America. Each new mini-pitch will offer children in these communities a safe place to play, while providing a soccer environment that encourages unstructured play within local communities, supporting the continued growth of the game. Additionally, SNHU will award a full college scholarship to a deserving member of the local community as part of the dedication ceremony.

Following the official dedication, local youth from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy and the Squamish Youth Soccer Association and Vancouver Whitecaps FC player, David Ousted, will participate in a small-sided match on the new pitch.

WHO: The ceremony will include short remarks from: • Karen Elliott, Councillor, District of Squamish • , President, Vancouver Whitecaps FC • Carl Valentine, Club Ambassador, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Emcee) • Charmaine Crooks, Board Member, Canada Soccer • Steve Thiel, Director of Partnership Marketing, Southern New Hampshire University • Tim Sjogren, President, Squamish Youth Soccer Association

Special guests scheduled to appear include: • Vancouver Whitecaps FC Player (David Ousted) • Vancouver Whitecaps FC Executives

VISUALS: Local Squamish boys and girls taking ceremonial first kick with player and executives. 20 boys and girls playing in the first match on the new pitch. Vancouver Whitecaps FC player, David Ousted, will serve as celebrity coach.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2016│5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

WHERE: Brennan Park Recreation Centre* 1009 Centennial Way Squamish, BC B8B 0E2, Canada

*The Mini Pitch is accessed via a gravel road just south of the Recreation Centre along Loggers Lane. Follow the directional signage from Brennan Park Recreation Centre to the Mini Pitch and All Weather Fields. Access Loggers Lane via Finch Drive off Highway 99.

MEDIA CONTACT: Media interested in attending the mini-pitch unveiling to conduct interviews or receive event photos must contact Tom Plasteras ([email protected]).

ADDITIONAL MEDIA CONTACTS Kristin Lamas Patterson Southern New Hampshire University 978-473-2979 (cell) [email protected]

Brad Fougere Canada Soccer 613-299-1587 [email protected]