BMO KickStart Celebration of Soccer and Community Brings the World's Game to the Heart of Toronto
As soccer fever swept across Toronto, MLSE LaunchPad became a gathering place where the game's impact could be felt far beyond the professional stage.
From June 5-12, MLSE Foundation and BMO transformed MLSE LaunchPad into a vibrant community hub through the BMO KickStart Celebration of Soccer and Community, a seven-day takeover designed to celebrate the game's ability to connect people, inspire youth, and strengthen communities.
Throughout the week, MLSE LaunchPad welcomed over 1,700 community members including 1,500 youth through a diverse lineup of programming that reflected the many ways soccer can bring communities together. Youth took part in accessible soccer programming alongside partners from Variety Village, girls and young women connected through mentorship and sport-focused programming, and students explored leadership, inclusion, and academic concepts through soccer-based learning experiences.
"We are so proud to have created this unique experience in collaboration with BMO that celebrated soccer and community in the magical MLSE LaunchPad space that was transformed into a true soccer hub,” said Luciano Lombardi, MLSE Foundation’s Director of Sport Development. “Seeing so many youth, families, friends, colleagues, and partners enjoying the space truly embodied the passion that is being felt all around the city of Toronto during this historic time."
"It felt like one big team"
The celebration was developed under BMO KickStart, MLSE Foundation's flagship community soccer program. Delivered in partnership with Toronto FC and community organizations across the Greater Toronto Area, BMO KickStart helps remove financial barriers to access soccer, ensuring more young people can participate in sport while developing confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful connections with their peers.
“I liked that there was something different every day,” one youth (11 years old) said. “We got to play soccer, learn new things, and everyone was really nice. It felt like one big team."
The week also served as an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures and communities that make soccer such a powerful unifier across the GTA. Community members participated in art and cultural programming, kit-making activities, community open houses, and viewing parties that created spaces for connection, creativity, and shared experiences.
“I’m hoping that the kids are feeling a bit of patriotism for their own countries and nationalities, whether it’s Canada or their parent’s countries.” said Ralisha Armas, MLSE LaunchPad’ sports programming coordinator. "Learning a little bit about each other’s culture, learning more about their culture, connecting through art and see that soccer expands beyond the pitch most importantly.”
One of the week's signature moments was the BMO KickStart Community Cup, which brought together youth and partner organizations from across the city for an end-of-season celebration rooted in connection, collaboration, and a shared love of the game. The event highlighted the growing network of organizations that make BMO KickStart possible and showcased the impact that can be achieved when communities come together around a common goal.
“This week-long experience is a great example of what’s possible when two likeminded organization come together and commit to the same goal of advancing youth access to sport,” said Anton Wimmer, Partnership Development & Revenue Strategy, MLSE. “We are proud to have made this concept a reality with BMO as their continued investment in soccer and community allowed us to dream big and create an impactful experience together."
As Toronto celebrated one of the biggest moments in soccer history, the BMO KickStart Celebration of Soccer and Community ensured that the excitement extended beyond the stadium and into neighbourhoods across the city. More than a celebration of the game itself, the week was a reminder of soccer's unique ability to create belonging, open doors, and bring people together.
The momentum generated throughout the week reflects the continued growth of BMO KickStart across the GTA. This season, the program expanded to welcome Girls Forward Foundation, Scadding Court Community Centre, and Eritrean Canadian Community Centre, while also adding MLSE LaunchPad's futsal program. Together, these additions will help extend the program's reach and ensure even more youth can access free soccer programming in their communities.
MORE STORIES
As soccer fever swept across Toronto, MLSE LaunchPad became a gathering place where the game's impact could be felt far beyond the professional stage.
From June 5-12, MLSE Foundation and BMO transformed MLSE LaunchPad into a vibrant community hub through the BMO KickStart Celebration of Soccer and Community, a seven-day takeover designed to celebrate the game's ability to connect people, inspire youth, and strengthen communities.
Throughout the week, MLSE LaunchPad welcomed over 1,700 community members including 1,500 youth through a diverse lineup of programming that reflected the many ways soccer can bring communities together. Youth took part in accessible soccer programming alongside partners from Variety Village, girls and young women connected through mentorship and sport-focused programming, and students explored leadership, inclusion, and academic concepts through soccer-based learning experiences.
"We are so proud to have created this unique experience in collaboration with BMO that celebrated soccer and community in the magical MLSE LaunchPad space that was transformed into a true soccer hub,” said Luciano Lombardi, MLSE Foundation’s Director of Sport Development. “Seeing so many youth, families, friends, colleagues, and partners enjoying the space truly embodied the passion that is being felt all around the city of Toronto during this historic time."
"It felt like one big team"
The celebration was developed under BMO KickStart, MLSE Foundation's flagship community soccer program. Delivered in partnership with Toronto FC and community organizations across the Greater Toronto Area, BMO KickStart helps remove financial barriers to access soccer, ensuring more young people can participate in sport while developing confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful connections with their peers.
“I liked that there was something different every day,” one youth (11 years old) said. “We got to play soccer, learn new things, and everyone was really nice. It felt like one big team."
The week also served as an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures and communities that make soccer such a powerful unifier across the GTA. Community members participated in art and cultural programming, kit-making activities, community open houses, and viewing parties that created spaces for connection, creativity, and shared experiences.
“I’m hoping that the kids are feeling a bit of patriotism for their own countries and nationalities, whether it’s Canada or their parent’s countries.” said Ralisha Armas, MLSE LaunchPad’ sports programming coordinator. "Learning a little bit about each other’s culture, learning more about their culture, connecting through art and see that soccer expands beyond the pitch most importantly.”
One of the week's signature moments was the BMO KickStart Community Cup, which brought together youth and partner organizations from across the city for an end-of-season celebration rooted in connection, collaboration, and a shared love of the game. The event highlighted the growing network of organizations that make BMO KickStart possible and showcased the impact that can be achieved when communities come together around a common goal.
“This week-long experience is a great example of what’s possible when two likeminded organization come together and commit to the same goal of advancing youth access to sport,” said Anton Wimmer, Partnership Development & Revenue Strategy, MLSE. “We are proud to have made this concept a reality with BMO as their continued investment in soccer and community allowed us to dream big and create an impactful experience together."
As Toronto celebrated one of the biggest moments in soccer history, the BMO KickStart Celebration of Soccer and Community ensured that the excitement extended beyond the stadium and into neighbourhoods across the city. More than a celebration of the game itself, the week was a reminder of soccer's unique ability to create belonging, open doors, and bring people together.
The momentum generated throughout the week reflects the continued growth of BMO KickStart across the GTA. This season, the program expanded to welcome Girls Forward Foundation, Scadding Court Community Centre, and Eritrean Canadian Community Centre, while also adding MLSE LaunchPad's futsal program. Together, these additions will help extend the program's reach and ensure even more youth can access free soccer programming in their communities.
MORE STORIES
As soccer fever swept across Toronto, MLSE LaunchPad became a gathering place where the game's impact could be felt far beyond the professional stage.
From June 5-12, MLSE Foundation and BMO transformed MLSE LaunchPad into a vibrant community hub through the BMO KickStart Celebration of Soccer and Community, a seven-day takeover designed to celebrate the game's ability to connect people, inspire youth, and strengthen communities.
Throughout the week, MLSE LaunchPad welcomed over 1,700 community members including 1,500 youth through a diverse lineup of programming that reflected the many ways soccer can bring communities together. Youth took part in accessible soccer programming alongside partners from Variety Village, girls and young women connected through mentorship and sport-focused programming, and students explored leadership, inclusion, and academic concepts through soccer-based learning experiences.
"We are so proud to have created this unique experience in collaboration with BMO that celebrated soccer and community in the magical MLSE LaunchPad space that was transformed into a true soccer hub,” said Luciano Lombardi, MLSE Foundation’s Director of Sport Development. “Seeing so many youth, families, friends, colleagues, and partners enjoying the space truly embodied the passion that is being felt all around the city of Toronto during this historic time."
MLSE LaunchPad youth
The celebration was developed under BMO KickStart, MLSE Foundation's flagship community soccer program. Delivered in partnership with Toronto FC and community organizations across the Greater Toronto Area, BMO KickStart helps remove financial barriers to access soccer, ensuring more young people can participate in sport while developing confidence, leadership skills, and meaningful connections with their peers.
“I liked that there was something different every day,” one youth (11 years old) said. “We got to play soccer, learn new things, and everyone was really nice. It felt like one big team."
The week also served as an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultures and communities that make soccer such a powerful unifier across the GTA. Community members participated in art and cultural programming, kit-making activities, community open houses, and viewing parties that created spaces for connection, creativity, and shared experiences.
“I’m hoping that the kids are feeling a bit of patriotism for their own countries and nationalities, whether it’s Canada or their parent’s countries.” said Ralisha Armas, MLSE LaunchPad’ sports programming coordinator. "Learning a little bit about each other’s culture, learning more about their culture, connecting through art and see that soccer expands beyond the pitch most importantly.”
One of the week's signature moments was the BMO KickStart Community Cup, which brought together youth and partner organizations from across the city for an end-of-season celebration rooted in connection, collaboration, and a shared love of the game. The event highlighted the growing network of organizations that make BMO KickStart possible and showcased the impact that can be achieved when communities come together around a common goal.
“This week-long experience is a great example of what’s possible when two likeminded organization come together and commit to the same goal of advancing youth access to sport,” said Anton Wimmer, Partnership Development & Revenue Strategy, MLSE. “We are proud to have made this concept a reality with BMO as their continued investment in soccer and community allowed us to dream big and create an impactful experience together."
As Toronto celebrated one of the biggest moments in soccer history, the BMO KickStart Celebration of Soccer and Community ensured that the excitement extended beyond the stadium and into neighbourhoods across the city. More than a celebration of the game itself, the week was a reminder of soccer's unique ability to create belonging, open doors, and bring people together.
The momentum generated throughout the week reflects the continued growth of BMO KickStart across the GTA. This season, the program expanded to welcome Girls Forward Foundation, Scadding Court Community Centre, and Eritrean Canadian Community Centre, while also adding MLSE LaunchPad's futsal program. Together, these additions will help extend the program's reach and ensure even more youth can access free soccer programming in their communities.