LYNX FANS UNITE TO FORM OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS CLUB

[François]

TORONTO LYNX SUPPORTERS CLUB MEDIA RELEASE



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



LYNX FANS UNITE TO FORM OFFICIAL SUPPORTERS CLUB!



January 7, 2004 (TORONTO, ON) - Under the leadership of Drew Kellas and other “super fans” of the Toronto Lynx, Toronto's A-League Pro Soccer Club now has an official Supporters Club with a view to promote greater awareness and support of their beloved team. "Our mission is simple: to promote the awareness of the Lynx through doing what avid fans do naturally. Talk about the team that we love and invite people to come out to games and events", says the effervescent Kellas, who works for Manulife Financial, serves on the Board of Directors and coaches for the Scarborough Blizzard Soccer Club and also juggles fatherhood.



The establishment of the Toronto Lynx Supporters Club came about after much encouragement from the growing Lynx fan base and several meetings of a cross section of serious fans who have experience in various walks of life from media to marketing to legal and business know-how and who will form the Club's executive to be announced Saturday January 10th.



After meeting with the Lynx new head coach, Duncan Wilde, the group received further impetus to organize themselves in line with many supporters clubs overseas. Duncan is very supportive of the group stating, "Since my appointment as Lynx head coach, I have been attempting to familiarize myself with the workings of the club. I am very impressed with the structure and organization of the front office, together with the enthusiasm and energy that I have seen already within the supporters club. I am a firm believer that a strong positive relationship between the team and the supporters is a vital part of creating a successful club. It is a relationship taken very seriously by successful clubs around the world and I have already confirmed my support and intentions in an effort to create just that... A strong Toronto Lynx Supporters Club".



Nicole Hartrell, the Club's owner and Chief Operating officer has approved the formation of the club and looks forward to working more closely with Kellas and his team saying, "We are very impressed with this group of fans! To date, they have demonstrated that they have the commitment and the skills to organize themselves into a strong Supporters Club. I look forward to working more closely with them in the future and wish them every success".



The TLSC has established a temporary home at www.geocities.com/lynxfanz to kick things off. Lynx fans wishing to register with the Fan Club may do so online. All members will receive a fan club t-shirt; a membership card entitling them discounts on Lynx merchandise; special ticket discounts and invitations to Fan Club socials. The executive will also publish a year round Lynx newsletter with an inside look on the Lynx players, coaching staff and front office initiatives.



Fan Club Socials for the 2004 season will include: a soccer tournament; a fan club social to watch Lynx televised road games; traveling and dining with the team on road games to Montreal, Rochester and Syracuse. The TLSC will once again hold a Fan social in the fall for a "meet and greet" with Lynx players, coaching staff, management and Lynx alumni.



For more information on the Toronto Lynx Supporters Club Contact:

Drew Kellas, President

lynxfanz@yahoo.ca

(416) 438-1614