Volkswagen Canada to donate $5,000 once again to local organizations promoting diversity & inclusion in each CPL market.
The Canadian Premier League (CPL) and founding partner Volkswagen Canada today kick off Pride season with the announcement of a series of matches across the league in support and celebration of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, inclusivity and the beauty of the diverse groups that make up our Canadian soccer family.
In addition to the matchday celebrations, Volkswagen Canada will donate $5,000 to an organization of each club’s choosing in its local community, whose work to promote inclusivity and diversity is making a local impact through education, resources and advocacy. As presenting sponsor of the CPL’s Pride matches since 2022, Volkswagen Canada will donate nearly $100,000 to such organizations over three seasons.
“We believe our role as a league is to bring people together through sport and provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone who touches our game,” said Glen Johnson, Executive Vice-President, Canadian Premier League and Canadian Soccer Business. “We are excited to take this opportunity to once again celebrate Pride alongside Volkswagen Canada, whose continued commitment to outreach through its Be the Change campaign is also something to be acknowledged.”
The CPL’s slate of 2024 Pride matches presented by Volkswagen Canada begins on Saturday, June 1 when Forge FC takes on York United FC at Tim Hortons Field at 4 p.m. ET. Cavalry FC will wrap up the CPL’s Pride celebrations on Sunday, Sept. 15, when the Calgary-based side hosts Atlético Ottawa at ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows, starting at 5 p.m. ET/3 p.m. MT.
CPL Pride matches will feature a range of initiatives and activities on game days that promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity. Fans in attendance at each match will receive custom bandanas. A full list of Pride matches, associated events and more information on the recipient organizations is available here.
“We’re thrilled to once again be the presenting sponsor of the CPL’s Pride matches,” Lynne Piette, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Canada. “We hope these games play a part in ensuring that all fans feel the soccer community is a place for them to be their authentic selves. At Volkswagen Canada, we will continue to be loud and proud in support of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.”
The full list of matches, presented by Volkswagen Canada, can be found below:
- Saturday, June 1: Forge FC vs. York United FC, Tim Hortons Field, 4 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 2: Atlético Ottawa vs. Halifax Wanderers FC, TD Place Stadium, 2 p.m. ET
- Sunday, June 9: York United FC vs. Vancouver FC, York Lions Stadium, 6 p.m. ET
- Friday, June 14: Valour FC vs. Pacific FC, Princess Auto Stadium, 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT
- Friday, July 12: Vancouver FC vs. Atlético Ottawa, Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT
- Thursday, July 18: Halifax Wanderers FC vs. Valour FC, Wanderers Grounds, 6 p.m. ET/7 p.m. AT
- Sunday, July 28: Pacific FC vs. Valour FC, Starlight Stadium, 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT
- Sunday, September 15: Cavalry FC vs. Atlético Ottawa, ATCO Field at Spruce Meadows, 5 p.m. ET/3 p.m. MT
Tickets to each match are accessible at the links provided above.