Soccer, known as the beautiful game, has the power to unite people from all walks of life, transcending borders and cultures. This article highlights two events that celebrate the diversity of soccer fans and the global love for the sport: Toronto FC’s Starting XI program and The Beautiful Game celebrity soccer match at Exploria Stadium.
Toronto FC’s Starting XI Program: Turning Kits into Canvases
Toronto FC is partnering with artists to turn their kits into canvases through the Starting XI program. This initiative gives 11 artists the chance to use the white half of the club’s secondary “Community Kit” as a canvas to celebrate their own communities. Four Toronto FC players, including forward Ayo Akinola, attended a workshop with local youth to create their own jerseys with the Starting XI program artists. Akinola is working with artist Roza Nozari to bring his kit vision to life. The kits created by the artists and players will be auctioned off later this summer to raise money for the MLSE Foundation. TFC supporters can also customize their own Community Kits at workshops during the next three home matches.
The Beautiful Game Celebrity Soccer Match at Exploria Stadium
Exploria Stadium in Orlando will host The Beautiful Game, a celebrity soccer match featuring Brazilian soccer icons Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, on Friday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will feature a star-studded lineup of players from around the world, aiming to celebrate the diversity, connection, and passion that centers around the global love for soccer. Fans can purchase tickets to the match, and more information, including additions to the roster, will be announced at a later date.
Global Soccer Icons and the Celebration of Diversity
Ronaldinho, a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, and Roberto Carlos, a former Real Madrid star and World Cup winner, are perfect ambassadors for this event. The Beautiful Game was successful in South Florida last year and is now being taken to Orlando. Orlando City President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon is excited to host the event and showcase Exploria Stadium as Florida’s home for the world’s game.
Conclusion
These events demonstrate the power of soccer to bring people together and celebrate diversity. From turning kits into canvases to hosting celebrity soccer matches, the global soccer community continues to find creative ways to showcase the beauty of the sport and its ability to unite fans from around the globe.