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Forbes
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Kaylyn Kyle Excited To Return To Manchester For Soccer Aid For UNICEF
Kaylyn Kyle will this weekend play in the Soccer Aid match for UNICEF for the third time, returning to an Old Trafford ground which holds so many special memories for her. The annual match which raises funds for UNICEF, the United Nations agency which provides aid to children worldwide, was first played in 2006. Contested between teams representing hosts England and a World XI, comprised of legendary former players and celebrities. The showpiece occasion has previously featured such luminaries as Diego Maradona, Usain Bolt and Robbie Williams. Kyle, who won 101 international caps for Canada, is returning to play for the third year in succession. Speaking to me exclusively from the United States where she has carved out a successful broadcasting career presenting MLS 360 on Apple TV, I asked Kyle what it was like playing in a match alongside a collection of strangers. 'I think the first year, I didn't really know what to expect, being completely honest. It's like going to school for the first time - 'oh God, am I going to have any friends? Are people going to like me?' It was such a weird, little kid feeling, but then it brings you back to why you feel in love with the game.' 'As a little kid you always dreamed of playing on the biggest stage with the biggest players on the biggest moments. I feel that's what Soccer Aid is. It's a lot of different people, different cultures, different backgrounds, that come together for an amazing cause with UNICEF. It's ultimately to raise money for countries that are in need, especially children." Kyle's first appearance in the charity match was at Old Trafford in 2023, a 4-2 victory for the World XI before England won the 2024 edition, played at Stamford Bridge. 'I don't know why they keep on bringing me back," Kyle told me. "I guess I'm just good vibes! When you get the email, it's like being selected for a World Cup team, where you get the text message from the Soccer Aid staff. I'm absolutely delighted to go back and to Manchester as well, because that's where it first started for me.' Playing at Soccer Aid was not Kyle's first experience of playing at the so-called 'Theatre of Dreams'. During the London 2012 Olympic Games, the midfielder was part of the Canada team who heartbreakingly lost in the semi-final of the Women's Football Tournament, 4-3 in overtime against the United States. 'They ultimately knocked us out of that Gold Medal game," Kyle recalls, "but we ended up collecting a Bronze. I have so many special memories at this stadium and so many special memories in England. It's a really special crowd, and atmosphere. The city is electric.' Kyle's final international appearance came three years later in the FIFA Women's World Cup hosted by Canada in 2015. The host nation's tournament was ended by England at the quarter-final stage in front of a record crowd at BC Place in Vancouver. Having previously come up against four members of that Lionesses squad at Soccer Aid - Karen Carney, Jill Scott, Eni Aluko and Ellen White - the organisers have this year drafted in two more - Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan. Kyle told me she is relishing the opportunity for revenge. 'Everyone always talks about how special a home World Cup is, and they made it not special for me. So yeah, there's vengeance on my mind obviously! We lost last year, the World XI, so we're got going to lose this year. I like winning, I like going to get your trophy and getting your medal put around your neck in front of all the fans as well.' 'I have the utmost respect for both of those women, and just what the Lionesses have done. They were the forerunners of changing the mindset of women's football, especially in England. You go to the stadiums and they're packed, they are sold out. They are one of the top teams in the world because they play a beautiful brand of football. They won't be playing a beautiful brand of football come June 15 because the World XI is going to take it to them - can't wait!' Kyle was always renowned for sporting a pink headband during her playing career which she revealed to me was nothing more than a strip of pre-wrap tape. 'I'm so weird, I was a very superstitious person when I played. I always dressed left to right, I had a lucky sports bra, I had lucky sliders. I know that sounds disgusting to all those people out there - they did get washed inbetween matches!' 'The pink headband actually came about because I'd wear headbands and they'd fly off. My trainer was taping my ankle, she knew my favorite color was pink, and I was like, 'oh, I'm going to try some of that in my hair' and then I had one of the best games of my life." 'So I've always rocked the pink, pre-wrap headband, super-simple, and if you lost it, you just ripped out another one mid-match. So it was just an easy, non-expensive way to look cool. I didn't wear one at Soccer Aid because we had a hair-dresser that did my hair really cool and I didn't want to wreck my vibes. Maybe I'll wear one this year, I'm not sure, we'll see if they have pink pre-wrap for me there.' During her playing career, Kyle took it upon herself to give something back, becoming an ambassador for 'Right to Play', the international non-profit organisation based in Toronto. In her role, she visited Liberia and was struck by the experience. 'I went into Africa a few times and the one thing that always stuck with me is they are always so happy, so excited to welcome you into their community, and they have nothing.' 'I was very privileged in the way, growing up, I never didn't have soccer cleats, I was never unable to pay for my soccer registration fees. We were not rich, by any means, but they always provided us with an opportunity. I think it is so important, that not only athletes, but people who are in high positions of power - whether it's television or CEOs - that they do give back.' Now a mother of two, Kyle fully appreciates the difference the work that UNICEF undertakes makes to children around the world. 'Since joining Soccer Aid for UNICEF, it made me realize just how much work goes on behind the scenes to put on these big productions in order to raise money - $15 million we raised in 2024. $15 million goes a very long way in these communities that have nothing.' 'With UNICEF, they have people on ground, I think that's so important. You can raise money and send it and be like, do what you want with it. Speaking to the UNICEF people for the last two years after being at Soccer Aid, everyone sticks all ten fingers in, all ten toes in. Yes, they want to get them the right healthcare, food, water, clothing, but they also want the kids to realize there is opportunity and if you work hard and do the right things, they can really help out.' 'Talking to a lot of people who have been out there on the ground, like (singer, songwriter) Tom Grennan, he said the same exact things that I've just said about 'Right to Play'. I would feel weird if I wasn't involved in it. I feel like it's changed me as a person, I feel like it makes me a better human being. To be able to give back, I think it's just the best feeling in the world.' Soccer Aid for UNICEF, which will be broadcast on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player at 1800 BST/2100 EST) on Sunday June 15. This year, thanks to the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, every donation you make to Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be doubled – up to £5 million. Donations can be made ahead of the match at
Business Wire
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Wire
Xfinity Customers Can Now Enjoy Sunday Night Soccer on MLS Season Pass Free
PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting this weekend, Xfinity customers can enjoy all the action of Sunday Night Soccer on MLS Season Pass free, with no additional subscriptions required. The weekly matches will be available within the channel guide on Xfinity X1 and the Xfinity Stream app throughout the duration of the season, making them easy for customers to find and discover alongside all their other favorite sports channels. Today's announcement is the latest development in Comcast's and Apple's partnership to deliver Xfinity customers an unmatched viewing experience for MLS Season Pass, which features every MLS game with no blackouts, along with in-depth coverage and analysis, exclusive content, and more. Xfinity currently offers free access to MLS 360 for all Xfinity customers and integrates every MLS Season Pass match into the channel guide on X1 and the Stream app. 'Since we kicked off our partnership with Apple and MLS earlier this year, we've seen a great response from customers. They're enjoying MLS 360 and tuning in to the integrated match channels consistently week after week,' said Vito Forlenza, Vice President, Sports Entertainment, Comcast. 'Adding Sunday Night Soccer for free introduces even more customers to all the excitement of the season and continues our commitment to deliver greater value at no additional cost.' MLS Sunday Night Soccer on X1 and Stream will launch Sunday, May 18, just in time for MLS's special Rivalry Week double header. At 7 p.m. ET, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF take on Orlando City SC, followed by MLS's biggest rivalry when LA Galaxy meets LAFC. All Sunday Night Soccer matches on Xfinity will be available in both English and Spanish with enhanced production and dedicated studio programming. Customers will be able to quickly find the matches within the soccer hub on X1 and Stream. X1 customers can also say 'MLS' into their voice remote to start watching. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit for more information.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xfinity Customers Can Now Enjoy Sunday Night Soccer on MLS Season Pass Free
Games Available Directly Within Xfinity's Channel Guide, No Additional Subscriptions Required PHILADELPHIA, May 15, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Starting this weekend, Xfinity customers can enjoy all the action of Sunday Night Soccer on MLS Season Pass free, with no additional subscriptions required. The weekly matches will be available within the channel guide on Xfinity X1 and the Xfinity Stream app throughout the duration of the season, making them easy for customers to find and discover alongside all their other favorite sports channels. Today's announcement is the latest development in Comcast's and Apple's partnership to deliver Xfinity customers an unmatched viewing experience for MLS Season Pass, which features every MLS game with no blackouts, along with in-depth coverage and analysis, exclusive content, and more. Xfinity currently offers free access to MLS 360 for all Xfinity customers and integrates every MLS Season Pass match into the channel guide on X1 and the Stream app. "Since we kicked off our partnership with Apple and MLS earlier this year, we've seen a great response from customers. They're enjoying MLS 360 and tuning in to the integrated match channels consistently week after week," said Vito Forlenza, Vice President, Sports Entertainment, Comcast. "Adding Sunday Night Soccer for free introduces even more customers to all the excitement of the season and continues our commitment to deliver greater value at no additional cost." MLS Sunday Night Soccer on X1 and Stream will launch Sunday, May 18, just in time for MLS's special Rivalry Week double header. At 7 p.m. ET, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF take on Orlando City SC, followed by MLS's biggest rivalry when LA Galaxy meets LAFC. All Sunday Night Soccer matches on Xfinity will be available in both English and Spanish with enhanced production and dedicated studio programming. Customers will be able to quickly find the matches within the soccer hub on X1 and Stream. X1 customers can also say "MLS" into their voice remote to start watching. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit for more information. View source version on Contacts Debbie FreyComcast Corporationdebbie_frey@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Comcast and Apple Unveil New Integrated Viewing Experience for MLS Season Pass
Comcast and Apple today announced plans to offer all Xfinity customers an integrated viewing experience for MLS Season Pass in time for the start of the 2025 season. Customers can sign up for MLS Season Pass directly through Xfinity and soon find every live match seamlessly incorporated throughout the X1 and Xfinity Stream app user interfaces, making it easy for them to watch alongside their other favorite live sports, without having to switch between apps. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: Comcast and Apple plan to offer all Xfinity customers an integrated viewing experience for MLS Season Pass (Photo: Business Wire) 'Xfinity provides customers an unrivaled access to sports entertainment, and our new partnership with Apple will offer soccer fans new ways to immerse themselves in Major League Soccer,' said John Dixon, Senior Vice President, Entertainment, Comcast. 'Through this new experience, our customers will be able to easily find, follow, and catch up on their favorite MLS teams with the best seat in the house.' When the season kicks off February 22, every MLS Season Pass match will be accessible from the channel guide on X1 and Stream in both English and Spanish. With an MLS Season Pass subscription from Xfinity, when a customer selects a game, playback will begin within Xfinity's viewing experience, without the need to open an app. The matches will also be featured within a curated MLS destination on both platforms, the center for all things MLS for Xfinity customers and accessible by saying 'MLS' into the Xfinity voice remote. Additionally, on X1, MLS matches will be available in the Xfinity Sports Zone app, a sports companion experience that gives customers the ability to watch one event while getting live updates on others in progress and quickly flip to different games when the action gets exciting. Comcast and Apple are also unlocking free access to MLS 360 for all Xfinity customers for the entire season, the first time the program has been available outside of an MLS Season Pass subscription. Available in the channel guide next to other sports channels and throughout the X1 and Stream user interfaces, MLS 360 is a matchday whip-around show featuring live look-ins and highlights from across the league. Comcast plans to make MLS 360 a part of its multiview experience, giving customers the ability to follow all the MLS action on the same screen as other popular sports like NCAA basketball, MLB and NBA & NHL playoffs. 'We're excited to provide Comcast customers with a new and convenient way to enjoy all the action of MLS Season Pass with no blackouts. Fans also get MLS 360 to stay up-to-speed on the best matchday moments with expert analysis and discussion throughout the league's 30th season,' said Oliver Schusser, Apple's Vice President of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Sports, and Beats. To celebrate the start of the 2025 season and the launch of the new viewing experience, Xfinity will offer all customers a free preview of MLS Season Pass from February 22 – March 2, accessible on both X1 and the Xfinity Stream app, after which they'll be able to subscribe to MLS Season Pass through Xfinity. In additions to access on X1 and the Stream app, customers who sign up for MLS Season Pass through Xfinity can enjoy the service on the Apple TV app on X1, Xumo, Apple TV and other third-party streaming devices. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit for more information. Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 01/29/2025 11:17 AM/DISC: 01/29/2025 11:17 AM
