A major national soccer program has been launched this week by BMO Financial Group.

The BMO Team of the Week program is open to young soccer players across the country and will recognize 15 youth teams, giving each a chance to win a grand prize which includes $125,000 to refurbish their community soccer pitch. 

For the next 15 weeks, Canadian soccer coaches and parents can nominate their favourite youth soccer team at BMOsoccer.com. BMO Team of the Week winners will be announced every week starting on April 20, and will receive $500, track suits and a donation to a local charity. 

鈥淏MO Team of the Week recognizes teams coast to coast for their achievements both on and off the field,鈥� said Sandy Bourne, vice-president, sponsorships with BMO Financial Group.

鈥淪occer has long been the beloved sport of so many countries around the world, and is reaching new levels in Canada at both the youth and elite levels.鈥�

Each of the winning teams will become finalists for the grand prize and all Canadians will be able to vote for their favourite team starting August 1 at BMOsoccer.com. The BMO Team of the Week 2011 Champion will receive a $125,000 field refurbishment, a trip to see a Toronto FC or Vancouver Whitecaps FC home game and $5,000 to their chosen charity.