Championship host adds grassroots sponsor

WOLFVILLE, N.S. - Acadia University and the Annapolis Valley District Soccer Association are pleased to announce a partnership for the 2016 CIS Women's Soccer Championship at Acadia November 10-13, 2016.

The Valley District Soccer Association, which covers the towns and villages from Clare, N.S. to Mount Uniacke, N.S., will partner with Acadia University in ensuring that every soccer youth player under the VDSA mandate will have an opportunity to attend the championship weekend. The partnership will include free youth tickets for VDSA member clubs.

The partnership was spearheaded by East Kings Soccer Club Vice President James Sanford.

"Acadia University is very proud of our longstanding connection to our local soccer communities. We have seen that development emerge through activities such as the hosting of the annual Gunn Baldursson Memorial Tournament and being the site of many youth soccer games, camps and tournament events over the years. The soccer tradition will continue this year with Acadia hosting the 2016 CIS Women's Soccer Championship", noted Sanford.

Sanford, who is also part of the CIS Championship committee, is thrilled with the partnership. "The CIS Championship Committee is very pleased to be formalizing a partnership with the Valley District Soccer Association (VDSA) to create enthusiasm and excitement about the upcoming CIS Championship event", said Sanford.

"As a volunteer youth soccer coach, the parent of a local youth player, and a member of the CIS Championship Organizing Committee I am pleased to be part of this partnership effort and encourage our players and families to join in the excitement and support the Acadia Axewomen in their quest for excellence."

Acadia University will host CIS Women's Soccer Championship in November 2016, celebrating the championship's 30th anniversary. Acadia has previously hosted the Championship in 1989 and 2000. Eight (8) of Canada's top women's university soccer teams will compete over four (4) days in pursuit of the cherished Gladys Bean Memorial Trophy from November 10-13.

The CIS Championship Steering Committee is developing the framework to create an exceptional experience for the teams, supporters, and the local soccer community. The championship experience will bring exciting game action to local soccer fans and will also feature the CIS All-Canadian Banquet, Acadia alumni events and celebrations, and an all-day soccer jamboree celebrating soccer in Nova Scotia. Local volunteers are enthusiastically supporting the efforts already.

The CIS Championship Committee is very pleased to announce a partnership agreement with the Valley District Soccer Association (VDSA) as part of the efforts to build on Acadia University's commitment to youth soccer in the Valley.

"The Valley District Soccer Association is both proud and excited to enter into a sponsorship agreement with Acadia University in their role of hosting the CIS women's soccer championships in November of 2016", commented Executive Director of the VDSA Dwight MacLeod. "As part of the agreement, the Valley District Soccer's youth players will receive a tournament pass, enabling them to witness the highest competition of soccer that the has to offer".

MacLeod goes on to state "This, in a small way, is our part in giving back to the grassroots soccer community. We hope that our members fill the stands to take in such a great event and cheer on the Axewomen in their quest for the CIS Championship"

The VDSA will be supporting the Championship Event as a Major Sponsor. Acadia University will be inviting local soccer players to be part of this exciting event by providing Youth Tournament Passes to all youth (18 years of age and under) registered with the VDSA. In addition, Acadia and the VDSA will be inviting local soccer fans to enjoy three Friday Night Soccer Showcase events on July 22, and July 29 at Raymond Field.

Local players will experience playing on one of the province's premier soccer pitches as the CIS Championship event is promoted.