Last week, Kia Canada Inc. kicked off its fourth annual Drive Change initiative, revealing its 2014 plan by pairing Drive Change with the sport of soccer at a national level. This year, Kia’s efforts will focus on helping underserved youth develop soccer skills and gain confidence by interacting with positive role models, and having fun playing one of the fastest growing team sports in Canada.
This will be accomplished through Kia’s partnerships with the three Canadian Major League Soccer (MLS) teams by presenting free soccer camps in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Additionally, from August 21 to September 30 participating Kia Canada dealerships will collect new and lightly used soccer equipment with a national equipment drive for donation in an effort to engage more kids and assist in providing the wherewithal to play the sport.
“Kia’s Drive Change initiative is about making a positive and lasting difference in Canadian communities.” said Maria Soklis, Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Kia Canada Inc. “Together with our soccer partners and dealer network and through the power of sport, we will be able to make a difference for underserved youth who may otherwise not have had this experience.”
In July, Kia along with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), launched a four day, no-charge Pee Wee Soccer School. The camp provided over 300 local youths the ability to access the sport of soccer and develop their skills and confidence with volunteers from the VPD. Kia Canada directly supported the VPD’s “Soccer Cleat Program” which provides new soccer cleats to inner-city youths in the early fall prior to the start of the new season.
In partnership with the Montreal Impact, Kia provided over 60 inner-city kids a free soccer clinic at Saputo Stadium. The three-day camp on August 18 through 20 included Montreal Impact coaches and staff introducing clinic attendees basic soccer drills. All attendees were provided with free Adidas soccer cleats at the conclusion of the clinic.
On Thursday, August 21, Kia along with the MLSE Foundation launched its third edition of KickStart featuring an eight-week soccer program in 15 Toronto Community Housing communities. Over 300 youth participated in the program, ages 6 to 12 to build soccer skills, self-esteem, fair play and leadership. Each participant was also excited to receive free Adidas soccer cleats which kicked off the program.
For more information about Drive Change, visit: kia.ca/drive-change
