2/20/2011 11:29:51 PM

February 16, 2011

DreamCity United soccer program launched at Toronto City Hall

Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti (Ward 7 York West), Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee, along with Garry Green of Big City Youth Services, Nathan Smith - a graduate of the DreamCity United pilot program, and representatives from the City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division today launched DreamCity United, a soccer initiative for boys and girls age 14 to 16.

DreamCity United is a community initiative that provides more than 250 youth from diverse neighbourhoods with the opportunity to learn to play soccer and hone their skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. Sixty of the youth will have the opportunity for more extensive training and 23 players will have the opportunity to train in France.

"I believe that this program, DreamCity United, will help positively transform the lives of many of the youth who participate in the program," said Councillor Mammoliti. "The skills that they will gain through this sports program will stay with them for life."

The official ceremony was followed by a soccer skills demo by Nathan Smith, who participated in the pilot program and who is headed to France to train in the sport.

City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation is supporting DreamCity United as part of Sharing Sports, an initiative that welcomes and encourages newcomers and diverse groups to take part in sports and aims to help alleviate some of the barriers to participation. Sports speak a universal language and Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation is committed to creating opportunities for every Torontonian to participate in the realm of sports.

Applications for DreamCity United are available at http://www.bigcityyouthservices.ca.
Boys and girls age 14 to 16 are encouraged to apply.