Soccer Show Hits Toronto

Posted on January 23, 2010

Rogers sets up at the TISS Play Soccer zone with a Toronto FC flavour.

A part of the CNE has been transformed into an arena for a futsal tournament, centred around a gathering of football merchants, promoters and onlookers who may just want to kick the ball around at the Play Soccer zone.

This is the Toronto International Soccer Show and it is taking place this weekend inside Hall C of the Direct Energy Centre.

"This show is about bringing the Toronto soccer community together, so we can all celebrate the beautiful game," said TISS general manager Vicki Chan, shortly after the opening of the function on Friday, January 22. 

"There are approximately 40 vendors," according to Chan, showcasing their wares at the first show of this size organized in Toronto to promote football.

The list of exhibitors is headed by the game's stalwart sponsor adidas, garnering sizable real estate just past the futsal demo court, and next to one of the two pitches installed inside the hall for the tournament.  

"It's a specialized futsal floor that was imported from the United States," enthused Chan drawing attention to the competition that will be the centrepiece of the weekend.  It features a strong men's division, along with boys and girls U-18 and U-16 sections. The prize for the top men's team is $3,000 and trophies are presented to other winning teams.

Aside from adidas, several other merchants have dug in their heels for the three day exhibit. One of them in particular is getting plenty of interest for featuring models wearing low cut shirts and short shorts, adorned in colours of a select few 2010 World Cup countries.  

Planning a World Cup trip this summer? Resources available at TISS.

Speaking of the World Cup, South Africa Consulate General has a booth here, as do vendors who can fly and accommodate customers for the world's most widely followed sporting event scheduled to take place this summer. 

On a local level, Red Patch Boys and Tribal Rhythm Nation, two of the supporters' groups of the city's Major League Soccer club, Toronto FC, saw it fit to claim some space on the hall floor. 

Red Patch Boys in particular are there to draw attention to their community work, which includes raising funds for Right To Play, CNIB, the Terry Fox Foundation and Athletes For Africa. 

Both supporters' groups hope to raise the profile of their respective organizations beyond the famous match-day atmosphere at BMO Field by attending this event.

Football fans with time and $12 to spare can check out the exhibition all weekend.  But they should be forewarned that a bridal show is taking place next door in Hall D, so attendees should choose their company wisely, unless they plan to give their companion some other ideas.

For more information click here.