True Patriot Love gathers momentum ahead of 2 September opener

Following the launch of the Canadian Soccer Association’s True Patriot Love campaign the Association, its partners, and Canada’s most passionate fans have committed to creating a strong home support environment for Canada’s Men’s National Team as it readies to start the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Qualifiers this Friday 2 September at BMO Field in Toronto.



Showing True Patriot Love

The three week promotional campaign reached its height on Thursday 25 August with the release of a new promotional video encouraging Canadians to become part of the movement. The video features three of Canada’s best in Julian De Guzman, Terry Dunfield, and Dwayne de Rosario as well as former Canadian National Team captain and current media commentator Jason De Vos.



A Canadian Soccer Association travelling road show has spent the last three weeks travelling around Southern Ontario, visiting Soccer Clubs, Festivals, Tournaments and camps to generate awareness for the all-important qualifying campaign. Even members of Canada’s Women’s National Team have gotten in on the act as they participate in WINNERS players appearances across the province.



Canadian supporters have quickly rallied to the cause by creating a Twitter hashtag around which to unite (#cheerforcanada) and applying vigorously to the “Ts for Tickets” contests launched through Canada Soccer’s social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (every Tuesday and Thursday a chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2 September match v St. Lucia as well as a few bonus items including signed De Guzman and De Rosario jerseys).



The Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with the Ontario Soccer Association, has also introduced a group sales initiative aimed at community soccer clubs. In addition to a discounted rate, special incentives were built into the program to encourage clubs to purchase tickets. The club having garnered the top sales will get to play a special role at the 2 September match; keep an eye out for the announcement of the winning club on Monday!



Partners show their support


Del Monte is building on the True Patriot Love theme by launching a contest to reward Canadians displaying true patriotic spirit. Del Monte is encouraging fans to sing the anthem, wave the flag, and creatively show their soccer skills online to win tickets to Canada’s FIFA World Cup™ Qualifiers.



Umbro Canada, the official apparel supplier to the National Teams, has unveiled its own rallying cry of “See Thee Rise” and has organized a series of events through this fall’s qualification round starting with a 2 September pre-match gathering in Toronto. Supporters are encouraged to gather at Lamport Stadium before marching on BMO Field in unified support for Canada. RSVP to the event on Facebook.



Nutrilite’s VIP Soccer Experience contest, which just closed after running for three months, earned a lucky winner an all expenses paid trip for four to Toronto to watch Canada in one of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ Qualifiers.



 

Where will you be on 2 September?


Great tickets are still available for Canada’s home opener against St. Lucia on 2 September! Fans that have not yet purchased their ticket can do so through Ticketmaster.ca or 1.855.985.5000. Advantageous three-match series tickets as well as individual tickets are available, starting as low as $20 for single-match tickets.



As a special bonus all fans with a match ticket for the 2 September match will receive free all-day entry to the CNE, Canada’s largest annual fair (a $16 value). In addition, people already attending the CNE on 2 September will have the opportunity to come and cheer Canada on through a special combined offer with the CNE. Simply present your CNE admission ticket at BMO Field’s box office (Gate One) and you can purchase an event ticket valued at $25 for only $9! A great opportunity to introduce the whole family to some world-class soccer!



Group sales at a discount of 20% are still available by contacting marketing@soccercan.ca or by calling 613.237.7678.



Don’t forget to wear red on match day! Your team needs you, show your colours!