Ontario Supporting National Soccer Championships in Vaughan
Province Boosting Local Economy, Promoting Youth Participation in Sport

News.Ontario.ca
Oct. 4, 2016

Ontario is supporting the 2016 Canada Soccer Sport Chek National Championships U-18 Cup in Vaughan, promoting athlete and sport development and contributing to the local economy.

The province is supporting operational costs including equipment, officials, venue rentals, medical staff and other host responsibilities. Hosting national and international amateur sporting events offers communities the opportunity to welcome visitors, gives more Ontario athletes high-level competition experience and increases local interest in sport and volunteerism.

The six-day event begins October 5, offering two competitions for nearly 350 athletes ages 18 and under from across Canada, at four venues throughout the city.

Ontario's Sport Hosting Program is part of Game ON - The Ontario Government's Sport Plan to help more Ontarians participate and excel in sport. Game ON recognizes the many ways organized sport can be good for people and communities, including the health and economic benefits of hosting major sporting events.

Investing in sport is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

Quick Facts

• Ontario is supporting the 2016 Canada Soccer Sport Chek National Championships U-18 Cup with a $20,000 investment through its Sport Hosting Program.
• In 2016-17 Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program will invest up to $3 million in sporting events across the province.
• The program has supported a total of 14 events throughout the province so far this year.
• Since 2013, Ontario has supported 62 events, with total funding of more than $11 million through the Sport Hosting Program.
• Sport tourism is a $5.2 billion segment of the Canadian tourism industry.

Additional Resources

• 2016 Canada Soccer's Sport Chek National Championships U-18 Cup
• Game ON – The Ontario Government’s Sport Plan

Quotes

“Our government is proudly supporting the 2016 National U-18 Cup through our Sport Hosting Program. The event will bring people to Vaughan for high-quality competition, leaving a sporting legacy and creating high-quality competition for nearly 350 athletes from across Canada. National level events like this play an important role in promoting volunteerism and encouraging more youth to participate, which is why our Sport Hosting Program is a key part of Game ON, our government’s plan for sport.”
Eleanor McMahon
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

“I’m so pleased to hear that the City of Vaughan will be hosting the 2016 National Championships U-18 Cup. This event will have a long-lasting positive impact on athletes, visitors and local businesses that reaches far beyond the economic benefits and serve as a reminder of the power of sport to bring people and communities together.”
Steven Del Duca
MPP, Vaughan

“There is a strong history of amateur national championships being hosted in partnership with the Ontario Soccer Association. This funding will help ensure that the Championships continue to provide Canada’s amateur clubs with a top-notch sporting experience building on Canada’s legacy as a leading soccer nation.”
Victor Montagliani
President, Canada Soccer