NEW YORK - MLS Futbolito, the League's official 4-v-4 tournament has reached unprecedented heights in its fifth year. The 14 city tour runs from April to August, and is the largest touring Hispanic event hosted by a U.S. professional sports league.
Some examples of MLS Futbolito's success:
PARTICIPATION: After a 30% increase in participants from 2006, the 2007 season has been the first to record two sellouts - 150 teams in New York on July 7th and 154 in Chicago on July 28th, a record number of teams in the history of the event.
AMBASSADORS: 2007 has seen increased participation from the MLS Futbolito Ambassadors - Mauricio Cienfuegos (El Salvador), Marco Etcheverry (Bolivia) and Martín Zúñiga (México). The Ambassadors have done interviews in each market, interacted with participants and have taken part in special events such as the Celebrity Tournament in Miami.
SPONSORS: This season MLS Futbolito has a total of nine sponsors, more than any other year. 2007 has also seen the increased activation of a number of sponsors including ICI Paints, with a two-story inflatable slide, raffles and free giveaways. adidas has contributed with its touring promotional truck and product demonstrations. MLS Futbolito is presented by Burger King, Panasonic and Sierra Mist. Associate level sponsors include adidas, Chase, Fox Sports en Español, Honda, ICI Paints and Visa.
MLS Futbolito will visit two more cities over the next two Saturdays. On August 11, the event visits San Jose, California, a city revitalized by the return of the Earthquakes to MLS in 2008. On August 18, MLS Futbolito will wrap up its 2007 season with a date in Los Angeles hosted by the Galaxy, traditionally one of its most successful events.
"We are thrilled with the development of MLS Futbolito," said Wilmer Cabrera, the event's official spokesperson and former World Cup player. "The success of this tour is a strong sign of the growing connection between MLS and the Hispanic community in the United States."
For more information on MLS Futbolito in both English and Spanish, please visit the official website www.MLSFutbolito.com, where fans can register and find event rules, dates and locations. The cost to register a team is $150 (Premier Division) and $120 for all other levels. Those interested can call toll free 1-877-553-7294. MLS Futbolito welcomes you to pay with your Visa.
MLS Futbolito 2007 Remaining Calendar
Saturday, August 11 - San Jose, CA
Independence High School
1776 Educational Park Dr.
San Jose, CA 95133
Saturday, August 18 - Los Ángeles, CA (Hosted by Los Angeles Galaxy)
Taylor Yards
1600 N San Fernando Rd.
Los Ángeles, CA 90065
About MLS Futbolito
MLS Futbolito, Major League Soccer's most successful grassroots initiative, is the a series of all-day events that takes place in various U.S. markets which targets MLS' growing multicultural fan base and represents the largest touring Hispanic event hosted by a U.S. professional sports league. The 4-v-4 tournament is open to players of all ages, abilities and affiliations. Team rosters can consist of up to seven players (four field players and three substitutes) and each team will play a minimum of three games in round-robin action, with the possibility of advancing to the single-elimination championship playoff. Winners of each division will receive prizes with the first and second place teams in the Premier Division competing for $3,000 in cash prizes. For more information about MLS Futbolito, log on to the official Web site at www.MLSFutbolito.com.
