TFC stars in attendance as KickStart continues with Thursday friendly

The KickStart program continues on Thursday evening with a friendly match.

Now in its fifth year, KickStart began mid-August when Toronto FC welcomed more than 300 children up to the Kia Training Ground for the official launch, where the first team and coaching staff were on hand to pass on some of their expertise to the kids – the pictures of which are absolutely adorable.

In partnership with Toronto Community Housing (TCH) and Kia Canada, MLSE Foundation puts on an eight-week program for the youths, “using soccer to engage youth and their families, to promote skill- and community-building, and healthy active living,” according to Michael Bartlett, Executive Director of the foundation.

The program runs from August to October, holding sessions in 15 different TCH neighbourhoods, and involves thrice-weekly practices and friendly competitions, as well as all the necessary tools and instruction.

Next on the docket is just such a friendly on Thursday, September 22 at 90 Parma Court; off of Victoria Park Ave just south of Eglinton Ave E.

The hour-long event kicks off at 5:15 pm and will be open to the public.

The two sides will be comprised of players from several communities – Parma Court, Teesdale Place, 501 Adelaide, Moss Park, 400 McCowan, Canlish Road, and Gordonridge Place – and TFC players past and present will be on hand to lend their support.

Club ambassadors Dwayne De Rosario and Steven Caldwell will be in attendance, as too will Jonathan Osorio, representing the first team.

With the MLS season arriving at its business end and the MLS Cup Playoffs looming, albeit not yet clinched, now is a great time to be reminded of the power of sport; not just to entertain, but to do good.