Charlottetown, PEI, October 5, 2011 – The City of Charlottetown is excited to have been named the host city for two of Soccer Canada’s championships - the 2011 Eastern Canadian Men’s Masters Championship and the 2012 U16 BMO Boys and Girls Club National Championships.

“Charlottetown has been fortunate to host several of Soccer Canada’s championships over the years with tremendous success. It is with the same hard work and dedication that we will host these two championships,” said Mayor Clifford Lee. “Our success as a sport tourism destination has been because we are well positioned with all of the right elements to host sport events – from infrastructure to hotels to community partners and volunteers. We look forward to working with Soccer Canada, the PEI Soccer Association and our local resources on both of these great events.”

The 2011 Eastern Canadian Men’s Masters Championship is scheduled to begin this Friday, October 7th until October 10th. The championship is designed for players 35 years of age and older and will feature each of the provincial masters champion teams from Eastern Canada – PEI, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Quebec and Ontario – all vying for the title of Eastern Canadian Men’s Masters Champion.

The 2012 U16 BMO Boys and Girls Club National Championships will see 500 players, representing 10 male and 10 female provincial club champions battling for the national titles. Set for October 3rd through 8th, the 2012 under 16 championships will attract some of the best up-and-coming soccer players from across Canada. Many of these young players have been identified as potential future national team members.

“Hosting Soccer Canada championships has become second nature for Prince Edward Island, specifically for Charlottetown,” said Gerald MacDonald, President of the PEI Soccer Association. “We look forward to working with the City and local organizing committee members to ensure these events are exciting and that we create an atmosphere for great competitions and lasting memories for the athletes, spectators and all involved.”

“Tourism Charlottetown, in partnership with the City of Charlottetown, continues to recognize the importance of the sport market in driving tourism, especially in the non-traditional tourism months,” said Doug Newson, President of Tourism Charlottetown. “Along with our partners the City of Charlottetown and the Hotel Association of PEI, we will continue to direct proceeds from the Tourism Accommodation Levy to the sport market in order to build on the continued success we are experiencing.”

Backgrounder:

SCORE is a partnership between the City of Charlottetown and Tourism Charlottetown developed to grow the sport tourism industry in Charlottetown. The partnership realizes the value of the events sector and has placed a high priority on sporting events to stimulate tourism growth economic growth.

Media Contact:
Beth Johnson
Communications Officer
City of Charlottetown
p. 902.629.4102

Wayne Long
Events Development Officer
City of Charlottetown
p. 902.629.0496