EDMONTON, June 23, 2004 — After two convincing wins in Kingston last week against Belize, the Canadian Men’s World Cup Soccer Team has advanced to the next round of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup. At a press conference held today at Edmonton City Hall, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), the Edmonton local organizing committee and exclusive Diamond Sponsor CIBC announced Edmonton will host the second Canadian home game of the semi-final qualifying round on September 4th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. (local time).
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\u200bAt the press conference were:
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\u200b\u0095tFrank Yallop, Canadian Men’s World Cup Team Head Coach
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\u200b\u0095tKevin Montgomery, District Vice-President, Edmonton, CIBC
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\u200b\u0095tMembers from Edmonton’s local organizing committee.
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\u200bTickets for the game range from $19.00 \u0096 $39.00 for reserved seating and $8.00 for general admission seating.
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\u200bReserved seating tickets will go on sale on Friday, June 25, 2004 at all Ticketmaster outlets in Canada and can be charged by phone (780-451-8000) or online at www.ticketmaster.ca. Tickets for general seating are available by calling (780) 471-0889 or worldcupqualifier@albertasoccer.com.
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\u200bCommonwealth Stadium will host the all-important game for Canada as they take on Honduras in the CONCACAF 2006 World Cup Qualifying semi-final round. Last time a national soccer team came to Edmonton, a city that boasts many passionate soccer fans, Commonwealth Stadium attracted almost 30,000 fans. It appears this game will be no different.
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\u200b\u0093We are very excited to be returning to Edmonton,\u0094 said Kevan Pipe, the Canadian Soccer Association’s Chief Operating Officer. \u0093The support local soccer fans give our players is outstanding. We are very fortunate to have such fantastic fans and supportive sponsors. They have played and will continue to play a huge role in propelling our athletes to new heights.\u0094
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\u200bEarlier this year, CIBC announced its unprecedented, multi-year $4.3 million sponsorship of the Canadian Soccer Association, which helps all players and teams under the CSA umbrella including the Men’s World Cup team.
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\u200b\u0093I would like to congratulate all the players and coaches for their outstanding play in Kingston last week,\u0094 said Stephen Graham, CIBC’s Executive Vice-President, Personal and Small Business Banking and Chief Marketing Officer. \u0093They played exceptionally well and I wish them luck in the next round.\u0094
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\u200b\u0093CIBC wants to make a real difference in amateur sport in Canada. To build a world-class amateur soccer system, we need the right talent, great coaching and the funding to make it happen,\u0094 added Graham. \u0093With over 825,000 players and coaches registered with the Canadian Soccer Association, including close to 91,000 players from Alberta, Canada has a huge pool of talent and the will to be among the best in the world. As a Canadian corporate leader, CIBC is proud to provide the support that will ensure Canadian amateur soccer can thrive at both the local level and on the international stage.\u0094
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\u200bAbout CIBC
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\u200bCIBC is a leading North American financial institution with almost nine million personal banking and business customers. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, the United States and around the world. To find other news releases and information about CIBC, visit the bank’s Press Centre at www.cibc.com.
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\u200bAbout the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA)
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\u200bFounded in 1912, the Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its members, is dedicated to promoting the growth and development of soccer for all Canadians at all levels. In this pursuit, the Canadian Soccer Association, in partnership with its members, is committed to providing leadership and good governance for the sport of soccer. For more information, visit migmultidev-canada-soccer.pantheonsite.io.