Pride and Joy App looks to strengthen Canadian soccer at grassroot levels during Women’s World Cup

In the euphoria of the 2015 FIFA World Women’s Cup, a remarkable app is available to enrich the experience for Canadian soccer fans. The Pride and Joy App (available from the App Store and Google Play) is an initiative that provides funding for Canadian soccer programs at the grassroots level, while fans feel a more profound and interactive connection.

Upon the download, fans can use it during any game that the Canadian national women’s team competes in during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Every App action during such a game results in an amount of money being donated, turning cheers into funds.

In addition, fans can track the impact with real-time results.
Of note, the sponsors include various popular food brands such as: Chips Ahoy, Stride, Ritz, Maynards. Their sponsorship has also resulted in point of purchase display stands at numerous grocery stores throughout Canada, helping to raise awareness of the campaign.

The goal is to raise up to $100,000 for Youth Soccer Clubs during the World Cup. Of note, the clubs receiving the donations are randomly drawn from a pre-selected applicant pool, and the maximum donation for any one club is $5000.
For Team Canada’s final match in Group play, a June 15 match in Montreal versus the Netherlands (a 1-1 draw) saw Pride and Joy 2015 raise money for the following clubs: Burnaby Girls Soccer Club, Club de Soccer Chomedey, South Shore United FC and Northern Heights Soccer Club. Having clinched first in their group, the Canadian contingent continues to the Round of 16, allowing fans another opportunity to show their support via the app.

Female soccer stars immortalized on commemorative Canadian postage stamp

As the 2015 FIFA Womens’ World Cup approaches quickly, host country Canada is immortalizing several of its soccer heroes. Canada Post is issuing a commemorative postage stamp featuring Christina Sinclair and Kadeisha Buchanan. In recognition of Japan’s status as defending World Cup champion, goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori also graces the image of said stamp.

Released on May 6, 2015, it pays homage to the superstar (Sinclair) that paved the way for soccer in Canada while recognizing the new generation (Buchanan) of Canadian women helping to build on such momentum. Among the Canadian dignitaries at the release of said stamp included the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport and responsible for Canada Post. She was joined by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), along with Deepak Chopra, President and CEO, Canada Post.

Image obtained from http://www.canadapost.ca

Designed by Debbie Adams of Toronto, the stamps were printed on Tullis Russell paper with lithography of eight colors. In addition, the stamp depicts the name of every host city (and its respective province) during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which shall culminate with the championship game contested on July 5 at BC Place in Vancouver.

Of note, the stamps are available in booklets of ten, while the Official First Day Cover will be cancelled in Edmonton, site of the opening game between Canada and China on June 6, 2015. In addition, a collectible plaque featuring the image of the stamp is available and limited to only 1,000 units.

Since the London 2012 Summer Games, women’s soccer has become an integral part of Canada’s sporting conversation, elevating Sinclair to an iconic status once reserved for hockey heroes. Having played in more than 150 games for the Canadian national team, Sinclair is the only competitor to have scored a hat trick against US goaltender Hope Solo. Heading into the 2015 World Cup, this shall be Sinclair’s fourth consecutive appearance. Having also played at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Games, she earned a bronze in 2012, while being honored as the flag bearer at the Closing Ceremonies.

Buchanan is one of the rising stars on Canada’s defensive unit, praised by head coach John Herdman as the “Christine Sinclair of defenders”. Currently competing at the NCAA level with the University of West Virginia Mountaineers, she is ranked number 6 in the US among collegiate and non-professional female competitors.