Major League Soccer and Real Salt Lake doing their part as Soccer Kicks Cancer

We saw it last year and once again both MLS and RSL will be helping in the fight against breast cancer, here is the official information from MLS:

Soccer Kicks Cancer by Going Pink in October

MLS to Raise Awareness and Funds for Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

NEW YORK (September 29, 2011) - MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative, announced today the debut of the League's breast cancer awareness campaign as part of Soccer Kicks Cancer, a three-month campaign focused on raising awareness and funds for cancer research and treatment and providing strength and hope in the fight against cancer affecting men, women and children. All 18 MLS clubs will conduct one night of local activation to raise awareness and funds for the cause throughout the month of October.

In collaboration with MLS partners adidas and Gatorade, matches will be played with a commemorative pink adidas Jabulani match ball and players will use pink sideline towels provided by Gatorade. MLS corporate and broadcast partners will also support the campaign with field board recognition during select matches.

MLS players and referees will wear a special pink MLS W.O.R.K.S. ribbon patch on their jerseys, pink adidas sweat bands, pink shoelaces and several goalkeepers will use pink gloves to further support the cause.

"Through Soccer Kicks Cancer, MLS is committed to raise awareness and funds for important research and treatment for cancers affecting men, women, and children," said JoAnn Neale, executive vice president, MLS. "In September our focus was pediatric cancer. During this weekend's games, you'll see our clubs start to incorporate pink elements into their game presentation in an effort to join the fight against breast cancer. We encourage our loyal and passionate fan base to get involved and to contribute towards this worthy cause."

Game-worn autographed jerseys and the special-edition pink match balls will be available for auction at www.MLSsoccer.com/works beginning October 7 as part of the League's effort to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment.

Limited edition Breast Cancer Awareness adidas products including scarves, sweat bands, hats, t-shirts and replica balls will be available for purchase at select retailers throughout North America, including MLS stadium shops and MLSGear.com. A portion of the proceeds from these sales and proceeds from the online auction will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

After the jump you can see the full list of when teams will be hosting their events:

MLS clubs will conduct additional fundraising efforts in their communities, including in-stadium auctions and donating a portion of ticket sales proceeds, and/or hold recognition ceremonies for local survivors during the following home matches:

• Chicago Fire, October 22
• Chivas USA, October 22
• Colorado Rapids, October 14
• Columbus Crew, October 2
• D.C. United, October 15
• FC Dallas, October 15
• Houston Dynamo, October 1
• LA Galaxy, October 16
• New England Revolution, October 1
• New York Red Bulls, October 20
• Philadelphia Union, October 15
• Portland Timbers, October 14
• Real Salt Lake, October 22
• San Jose Earthquakes, October 22
• Seattle Sounders FC, October 15
• Sporting Kansas City, October 15
• Toronto FC, October 1
• Vancouver Whitecaps FC, October 6

I think it is great that the league and players support this cause, and looking at the list RSL will actually play in 3 of these matches (@Vancouver on 10/6, @Colorado on 10/14, and then when they host Portland on 10/22).

I encourage you to pick up a pink scarf from your team store or bid on the items that they auction off, as this is another great cause that all RSL and MLS fans should be supporting. Yes, I did win the team autographed ball from last year. I will post more details of how RSL fans can support the cause as we get closer to our date.

OFF MY SOAPBOX