Mackenzie almost won the vote to be named Hockeyville.
Could Prince George be on its way to becoming Soccerville??
The Prince George under-13 girls Kodiaks took that first step when they were picked as this week's soccer team of the week as part of BMO's national program that recognizes youth soccer teams (players aged 7-12) and their achievements on and off the field.
"This group of girls loves soccer," the Kodiaks' contest submission reads. "They practice together three time per week, and on their own at home. They are truly dedicated to their chosen sport. The team watches professional games together on weekends, instead of going to the mall. They know that it's more important in life to enjoy 'what you do' instead of 'what I look like.'
"Soccer promotes a healthy lifestyle, which give these girls the opportunity to be fit for life. The girls on this team give back to their sport by assisting in the coaching of younger age group teams. Many players on this team are also in the beginning stages of learning to officiate younger teams games. This group of girls can be seen at our local fields even when they do not have scheduled practices."
Jo Wankling is the Kodiaks coach.
The BMO program was introduced April 1 and nominations will be accepted through June 30.
Teams selected each week are automatically eligible to win the grand prize of a $125,000 donation from BMO to improve the local soccer fields of the winning team, a trip to Vancouver to see a Whitecaps-Toronto FC MLS game, and a $5,000 donation to that team's charity of choice.
Similar to Kraft's Hockeyville promotion the team that wins is the one that can generate the most on-line votes.
Other Prince George teams can go to go www.BMOsoccer.com to submit an essay, photos or video to demonstrate why their team should be picked the BMO team of the week.
The more teams from one city that make the BMO list, the greater that city's chances of winning the contest will be. If any team wins one of the 15 finalist spots, they will need community support and the most votes to win the field renovation grand prize.
