NEW YORK – MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative, announced on Thursday the debut of the league’s breast cancer awareness campaign as part of Soccer Kicks Cancer, a three-month campaign focused on raisingawareness and funds for cancer research and treatment and providing strength and hope in the fight against cancer affecting men, women and children. All 18 MLS clubs will conduct one night of local activation to raise awareness and funds for the cause throughout the month of October.
In collaboration with MLS partners adidas and Gatorade, matches will be played with a commemorative pink adidas Jabulani match ball and players will use pink sideline towels provided by Gatorade. MLS corporate and broadcast partners will also support the campaign with field board recognition during select matches.
MLS players and referees will wear a special pink MLS W.O.R.K.S. ribbon patch on their jerseys, pink adidas sweat bands, pink shoelaces and several goalkeepers will use pink gloves to further support the cause.
“Through Soccer Kicks Cancer, MLS is committed to raise awareness and funds for important research and treatment for cancers affecting men, women, and children,” said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president, MLS. “In September our focus was pediatric cancer. During this weekend’s games, you’ll see our clubs start to incorporate pink elements into their game presentation in an effort to join the fight against breast cancer. We encourage our loyal and passionate fan base to get involved and to contribute towards this worthy cause.”
Game-worn autographed jerseys and the special-edition pink match balls will be available for auction at www.MLSsoccer.com/works beginning October 7 as part of the league’s effort to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment.
Limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness adidas products including scarves, sweat bands, hats, t-shirts and replica balls will be available for purchase at select retailers throughout North America, including MLS stadium shops and MLSGear.com. A portion of the proceeds from these sales and proceeds from the online auction will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
MLS clubs will conduct additional fundraising efforts in their communities, including in-stadium auctions and donating a portion of ticket sales proceeds, and/or hold recognition ceremonies for local survivors during the following home matches:
·Chicago Fire, October 22
·Chivas USA, October 22
·Colorado Rapids, October 14
·Columbus Crew, October 2
·D.C. United, October 15
·FC Dallas, October 15
·Houston Dynamo, October 1
·LA Galaxy, October 16
·New England Revolution, October 1
·New York Red Bulls, October 20
·Philadelphia Union, October 15
·Portland Timbers, October 14
·Real Salt Lake, October 22
·San Jose Earthquakes, October 22
·Seattle Sounders FC, October 15
·Sporting Kansas City, October 15
·Toronto FC, October 1
·Vancouver Whitecaps FC, October 6
