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Visa launches FIFA soccer video game to boost financial literacy

May 10, 2010 – National Post

Byline: Jonathan Cheavreau
Column: The Wealthy Boomer

Visa Canada has launched an educational video game it calls Financial Soccer to help promote financial literacy. The free online game uses multiple-choice questions to teach young adults the basics of responsible spending, banking, budgeting and saving.

The launch comes one month before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Visa is rolling out Financial Soccer in more than 30 countries. The Canadian edition is in both official languages and the global one is in at least eight more.

The Canadian launch coincides with a second round of public consultations in Toronto being held tomorrow by the federal Task Force on Financial Literacy. Visa Canada head Tim Wilson [pictured on left] will be presenting the firm’s recommendations to improve financial literacy.

Visa is partnering with Toronto FC star Julian de Guzman, who in a press release says financial success comes from preparing and practicing good habits. His main advice to young adults is to "learn the basics: create a budget and stick to it."

While Visa has been a FIFA partner only since 2007, it has been promoting financial literacy in Canada since 1996 through Choices & Decisions, a classroom program for teachers. Visa also manages PracticalMoneyskills.ca, which provides educators and students with cost calculators, budget templates and games.