CANADA SOCCER, CANADIAN PREMIER LEAGUE ADD PARTNER IN MAPLE LODGE FARMS

TORONTO,- Canada Soccer and the Canadian Premier League today announced a new major partnership, making Maple Lodge Farms the Official Food Protein Partner of Canada Soccer's National Teams and the country's Tier 1 professional men's soccer league.

The multi-year partnership was negotiated by Canadian Soccer Business.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with Canada Soccer to support Canadian athletes from youth development to the highest levels of national and international competitions," said Fred Marques, Chief Operating Officer at Maple Lodge Farms. "As a family-owned company and Canada's largest independently owned poultry processor, we're proud to help fuel Canada's elite soccer players and their fans, just as we've helped fuel Canadian families with high-quality chicken products for over six decades." 

The new partnership will see Maple Lodge Farms engaging with families of all kinds throughout the Canadian soccer community, by supporting Canada Soccer's Active Start Soccer Fests program and offering family photos at select CPL matches, as well as through contests and giveaways. Canadian soccer fans will also have a chance to sample Maple Lodge Farms products on-site at select Canada Soccer and CPL matches.

"We are thrilled to be welcoming Maple Lodge Farms and appreciative of their support of our Canada Soccer National Teams and Active Start Soccer Fests program," added Earl Cochrane, General Secretary, Canada Soccer. "As the leading grassroots and youth development soccer program in our country, Active Start Soccer Fests have connected with more than four million Canadians nationwide, and this investment is critical to continue building on our success at the community level and to support our future stars." 

As the new presenting partner of the CPL Player of the Week, Maple Lodge Farms will play a role in highlighting and celebrating the best individual performances in the CPL on the league's digital and social channels. CPL fans will also be celebrated by Maple Lodge Farms, who also will be the presenting sponsor of the "ULTIMATE Fan" honour, a monthly recognition that highlights the most devoted fans of each CPL team.

"We can't wait to celebrate the CPL's ULTIMATE fans," said Shalik Amanulla, Brand Manager at Maple Lodge Farms. "Our line of ULTIMATE products, including Chicken Sticks and Chicken Sausages - made with simple, real ingredients - are the perfect snack for fans to enjoy while cheering on Canadian soccer players across the country from stadium seats to backyard BBQ's."

"We are thrilled to announce Maple Lodge Farms as the Official Food Protein Partner of the Canadian Premier League, adding another multi-year deal to our growing roster of partners," said Mark Noonan, Commissioner, Canadian Premier League and CEO, Canadian Soccer Business. "As a league we know that family is at the heart of sport, and we strive to provide accessible, welcoming, family-friendly environments at all our events. We appreciate Maple Lodge Farms' commitment to making that goal a reality, while also doing its part in spotlighting the players and fans who make this league what it is."