HORSHAM, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Soccer fever has been sweeping the nation this summer, and Bimbo Bread, an important and growing brand of Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU), is continuing that excitement with the announcement today of its first youth international soccer match between the U.S. and Mexico. The international, friendly game is being hosted in Philadelphia’s PPL Park on Sunday, Aug. 9, as part of the company’s ongoing wellness platform, Bimbo B-Active.
“As official partners with Bimbo, we’re thrilled to open our doors here at PPL Park to welcome these great youth teams,” Philadelphia Union CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz said. “We’re committed to the youth soccer community and we couldn’t be happier to give these young players the opportunity to participate on a professional field.”
Bimbo B-Active, a youth soccer program designed to reach families to spread the word about healthy and active lifestyles, started in 2014 in several key markets, including Pennsylvania, California and New York/New Jersey. This year the company added a program in Florida, in addition to the new international game, called the B-Active Cup. Bimbo B-Active was established through long-standing partnerships with both domestic and international soccer clubs, including the Philadelphia Union and the New York Red Bulls.
In each market, BBU hosted a competitive, regional spring soccer tournament for both boy and girl teams of all ages. Each tournament included a “refueling station,” where players were able to recharge after matches with healthy snacks such as Bimbo bread sandwiches, Bimbo Multigrain Bars and Bimbo Bran Frut Bars.
The winning U-12 boys and girls teams from the New York/New Jersey tournament were selected as the teams to represent the U.S. in the Bimbo B-Active Cup against Mexico. The boys and girls teams are both based in Long Island, including Commack, N.Y. and Farmingdale/Bellmore, N.Y.
These two teams will also be rewarded with an once-in-a-lifetime experience with their local MLS club, the New York Red Bulls, on Friday, July 31, at the Red Bulls training facility in Whippany, N.J. The unique “day-in-the-life of a pro athlete” experience will provide youth players with a full day of physical activity, interaction with MLS players, nutritional training by MLS professionals, a tour of the arena and more.
“Bimbo is a global brand that believes in promoting healthy lifestyles, including eating a well-balanced diet and frequent physical activity,” said Renee. D. Zendejas, senior brand manager of Bimbo Bakeries. “We hope these players take what they learn about nutrition and wellness on July 31 and apply it to their daily routine, especially as they prepare and train for the Bimbo B-Active Cup against Mexico on Aug. 9.”
The boys will be playing against the youth team from Aguascalientes, Mexico, while the girls will play against the team from Coahuila, Mexico. Both Mexican teams were selected as a result of a national soccer tournament, Futbolito Bimbo.
Bimbo Bread (pronounced "Beembo") has been bringing families together for four generations. A family-owned business since 1945, BBU relies on its own family recipe to provide the softest, most delicious bread possible. Bimbo Bread not only provides a good source of calcium, Vitamins A, D, and E, but also has no artificial flavors or high fructose corn syrup, making it a great choice for kids and families on-the-go to help fuel up and recharge together.
About Bimbo Bakeries USA
Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 22,000 U.S. associates operates more than 60 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann's®, Freihofer's®, Heiners ®, Marinela®, Mrs Baird's®, Nature's Harvest®, Oroweat®, Sara Lee®, Stroehmann®, Thomas'®, and Tia Rosa.® BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 22 countries.
