Throughout the year, Vancouver Whitecaps FC teamed up with club partners to develop a variety of exciting initiatives and contests for any and every 'Caps fan.
As part of these partnership activations, fans were able to get up close and personal with Whitecaps FC playing and coaching staff as well as win some fabulous prizes, including a car, fuel vouchers and VIP treatment on matchdays.
The club and its loyal group of partners also organized charity events on matchday to help those in the wider community that are in need of support.
BELL
Predict a Goal
In 2012, Bell launched their ‘Predict a Goal’ contest online. Fans were invited to log on to Bell.ca/predictagoal for both home and away matches and predict who would score a goal and at what time in the game. Anyone who correctly predicted a goal received an autographed jersey from the player that scored the goal.
Bell Employee Giving Campaign
Another fun activity that the 'Caps teamed up with Bell on was the Bell Employee Giving Campaign to raise money and awareness for the United Way. (CAUTION: Beware of pies to the face)
BMO
Power of Blue Line
At every match, BMO customers were asked to enter via the Power of Blue Line at gate A for a chance to win one of several amazing experiences, including: a chance to participate in the official coin toss before a match; the opportunity to get upgraded tickets and a $50 food and beverage voucher via the Move of the Match; and a chance to participate in the post-match penalty kick where they get to try and score a goal on Whitecaps FC team mascot, Spike.
Y.P. Lee autograph signing
A very popular event this year was an autograph signing by South Korean superstar defender Young-Pyo at BMO's coquitlam branch.
See the excitement for yourself:
CHEVRON
Player card giveaway
Throughout the summer, Whitecaps FC player cards were available at Chevron locations throughout the province. Player cards included instructions on how to enter the “Know Your ‘Caps Sweepstakes”. The winner received tickets to the October 21 match vs. Portland Timbers; food vouchers for the match; a Whitecaps FC Merchandise package; $600 gas cards to Chevron and two players to assist with the coaching of a youth soccer practice.
BUDWEISER
Poolball
Budweiser pool ball is a genius combination of pool and soccer, played on a small turf pool field. Mini soccer balls are used as pool balls, and instead of using a pool cue to strike the balls into the pockets, the competitors step onto the table/field and use their feet. Venues throughout the lower mainland hosted Budweiser Poolball nights all season and sometimes included Whitecaps FC player appearances.
AIR CANADA
Wow the Wall
Air Canada launched a “Wow the Wall” Campaign on their Facebook page, asking fans to create an inspirational message for their team. The winning message was transformed into a giant TIFO design that was revealed by 5000 fans in the stands to the winner at a match on Air Canada’s Match Night). Beyond the surprise of having their message illustrated and presented to the team, the winner and guest received access to the executive suite for the match, Whitecaps FC gear and a behind the scenes tour. The contest was promoted via social media and online.
SPORT CHEK
Open Practice
In 2012, Vancouver Whitecaps FC hosted their first open practice in partnership with Sport Chek. About 500 fans were invited to sign up for the free event online beforehand. Fans in attendance got up close and personal at Swangard Stadium, as head coach Martin Rennie ran a special training session for the fans. Some lucky supporters were allowed to join ‘Caps players on the pitch and participate in some of the drills. Rennie was a gracious host, as he talked the fans through all the drills, and when the practice was done, the players mingled with the fans and signed many autographs. Following the Open Practice, fans were invited to an autograph session at a nearby Sport Chek for a chance to meet Joe Cannon and Darren Mattocks.
THE HOME DEPOT
Hampster Ball Race
Two fans, in giant hamster balls, ran through an obstacle course of giant tools during the halftime break in the June 16 match vs. Colorado Rapids. Both contestants won The Home Depot prize packs in the ‘Skills and Drills Competition’.
PUROLATOR
Tackle Hunger
On July 22, Purolator teamed up with the ‘Caps for the Purolator Tackle Hunger food drive in support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The food drive took place during ‘Caps Kickoff and donations were collected at all gates. The first 500 fans who donated a minimum of $5 or four non-perishable food items received an autographed Whitecaps FC pennant, on a first-come-first-serve basis. To further support the initiative, Purolator donated 250 pounds of food for every Whitecaps FC corner kick during the match. Around 7500 pounds of food were donated during the initiative.
UNIGLOBE
Fan Trip to Seattle
Whitecaps FC ambassador Carl Valentine hosted the Day Trip for 50 fans on August 18 that saw Whitecaps FC take on Seattle Sounders FC. The trip included transportation, breakfast, Whitecaps trivia and prizes, match tickets and a post-match meal with Carl Valentine.
KIA
Custom Whitecaps FC Kia Sorento Giveaway
Kia created the Custom Whitecaps FC Sorento SX which was put on display at ‘Caps Kickoff throughout the 2012 season. As part of their Fandemonium contest that ran across all three Canadian teams, fans were encouraged to go to the Fandemonium website and vote for their team to show support. Three fans from each region were selected to participate in a contest to win their team’s custom car. On September 29, three lucky Whitecaps FC fans participated in the ‘Kick it to Win’ halftime contest. Each fan was given one shot to score a goal from the centre of the pitch. The contestant who scored the goal would win the WFC Kia Sorento. Jesse Aben of Calgary, Alberta, was the only contestant to score and win the major prize.
TIM HORTONS
Coaching Clinic
On September 23, about 300 coaches from around the province participated in the inaugural Vancouver Whitecaps FC Coaching Clinic presented by Tim Hortons. The clinic was free for all participants and took place at BC Place. ‘Caps assistant coach Paul Ritchie and club ambassador Carl Valentine introduced and transitioned attendees through six demonstrational coaching sessions over two and a half hours. Ritchie and fellow Whitecaps FC coaches Jake Declute, Carl Robinson, Marius Rovde, Craig Dalrymple, Bart Choufour, Rich Fagan, Martin Nash, Steve Meadley, and Leigh Sembaluk led Whitecaps FC Pre-Residency players through drills that covered short passes, dribbling, possession, shooting, and one-on-one attacking. Participants were encouraged to watch closely and take notes, with Whitecaps FC coaching staff addressing all questions at the end. The event was designed to help participants hone their coaching techniques to help soccer players reach their full potential. Coaches were also taught new drills and coaching techniques.
EA SPORTS
FIFA Soccer 13 Challenge
As part of their match night sponsorship on October 3, EA SPORTS brought FIFA Soccer 13 to life with their halftime contest, the FIFA Soccer 13 Challenge. The FIFA Soccer 13 Challenge had two young aspiring soccer players attempt to score free kicks over the heads of a practice wall. The youngster who scored the most out of three attempts won an EA SPORTS Sport Video Library. Jonas Hakkinen had the fans cheering and won the contest by placing all three balls in the net.
