NEW YORK & MEXICO CITY (September 14, 2018) – As part of the inaugural Campeones Cup, a match between the champions of the respective leagues to build on the growing rivalry between MLS and Liga MX clubs, and an important pillar for the partnership between the leagues, both Toronto FC and Tigres UANL players are making a positive impact in the community by visiting Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital (150 Kilgour Road, East York) on Tuesday, September 18 at 4:30 p.m. ET – a day before the first Campeones Cup game at BMO Field.
The multi-year collaboration between the two top soccer leagues in North America will have MLS and Liga MX partnering on social responsibility efforts – each year - to drive social change in local communities throughout North America. The inaugural community event will take place at Holland Bloorview –a research and teaching hospital that provides care and services for kids with disabilities and complex medical needs.
Toronto FC and Tigres UANL’s players will meet and share gifts with more than 70 children the day prior to the match. As part of the inaugural event, both Leagues will also donate $10,000 to the hospital’s concussion center, which provides care, expertise and leadership in concussion prevention.
“Although our clubs are fierce competitors on the field, MLS and Liga MX teams have made it a priority to work together to positively influence the lives of those in need and to inspire others to join in improving the communities where we live and play our games,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “The power of soccer is strong, and the impact Toronto FC and Tigres players will have on these children is immeasurable. Visiting the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is the perfect way to kick off Campeones Cup week.”
Enrique Bonilla, Liga MX President, added “Liga MX wants to take this partnership beyond the playing field and stands. We care about our fans in every aspect, which is why we’re taking soccer to those who are at the heart of our sport, and cannot, for some reason, enjoy our games in the stadium. For Liga MX, social responsibility is not just an activity we do, but a way of life. We will always do everything in our power to help our fans’ dreams come true and be a positive influence in their lives.”
Clients from Holland Bloorview and their families will attend Campeones Cup and be featured on-field during the pregame ceremonies.
“We appreciate the commitment from Club Tigres and Toronto FC,” Bonilla continued. “With their visit to the hospital, they will give these children an unforgettable memory and let them live out the dream of spending time with the idols they are only ever able to see on the pitch. It will be a true showing of our commitment and unity as a soccer family: MLS and Liga MX. Campeones Cup is only the beginning of a relationship between Mexico and the United States, in which both social and sporting objectives will come to life."
The partnership between MLS and Liga MX, and Campeones Cup, is a collaboration designed to bring fans together from the US, Mexico and Canada in a show of unity while fueling a rivalry between two of the world’s most competitive soccer leagues. The three countries will jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tickets for the 2018 Campeones Cup are on sale now at Ticketmaster.ca. Fans are urged to purchase tickets early to ensure the best seats for what is sure to be an exciting clash between the champions of both leagues.
Due to space limitations, media interested in attending the hospital visit must R.S.V.P. by contacting Molly Dreska of MLS PR at Molly.Dreska@MLSsoccer.com and will be granted access on a first come first served basis. Photos, b-roll and soundbites will be distributed to media following the event.
For more information on this year’s Campeones Cup, click CampeonesCup.com.
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About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 26 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, including future expansion teams in Nashville, Miami and Cincinnati. The League plans to have 28 clubs in the coming years. For more information about MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
About LIGA Bancomer MX
LIGA Bancomer MX is Mexican soccer’s first division, comprised of 18 clubs throughout the country and headquartered in a new sporting complex in Toluca, México. Visit www.ligamx.net for more information.
About Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital creates a world of possibility by supporting children and youth living with disability, medical complexity, illness and injury. Visit www.hollandbloorview.ca for more information.
