THE CANADIAN PRESS
TORONTO — Car manufacturer Kia Canada Inc. has acquired the naming rights to Toronto FC’s new $21-million training ground as well as its academy program.
The deal was announced Tuesday.
"We’re excited to extend our relationship with Kia Canada to include Toronto FC’s training ground and Academy," Tom Anselmi, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment executive vice-president and chief operating officer, said in a statement. "Kia is a great global brand and their support for soccer across Canada has been terrific.
"This partnership with Kia for the Kia Training Ground and Kia Toronto FC Academy will support driving change for soccer at all levels."
The 5.7-hectare facility at Toronto’s Downsview Park will be named the Kia Training Ground. Amenities will include three full-size grass fields, and four artificial fields, including two designed for year-round use.
"I think overall it’s going to be the best facility in all of North America," TFC coach Aron Winter said. "You’ve got your own facility, you can practise, you’ve got a commitment with the youth."
Winter said a permanent training facility is something TFC has needed for a long time.
"We were training at four different places," he said. "Logistically it was a problem because you lose a lot of time … Everything was not relaxed."
Construction is expected to be completed over the summer.