Efforts by Pima County and FC Tucson to grow soccer here are drawing international attention – and visitors.

The Danish ambassador to the United States will watch a friendly soccer match between Denmark and Canada at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26. The Danish National Performance Team, Denmark’s most talented gymnasts, will perform at half time.

Pima County Supervisor Richard Elías is the official host to Ambassador Peter Taksoe-Jensen during his three-day visit.

The ambassador will speak at two events and attend a reception on Friday, Jan. 25. The National Danish Performance Team will perform and conduct exercise workshops on Wednesday, Jan. 23, and Sunday, Jan. 27. For more information, please visit http://www.danesinthedesert.com.

The Denmark-Canada friendly soccer match on Saturday, Jan. 26, launches 10 days of Major League Soccer friendlies at Kino Sports Complex. The matches will be on Kino’s North Field #5.  The local exhibition soccer season culminates with the Desert Diamond Cup Tournament, on Feb. 13, 16, 20 and 23 at Kino Stadium.

The Denmark-Canada friendly match will be broadcast live in Denmark, Canada and across Europe. The final match of the Desert Diamond Cup will be broadcast live in prime time by NBC Sports, bringing Tucson into millions of homes.

“Pima County’s investment in soccer fields at Kino Sports Complex and FC Tucson’s outreach are responsible for a month of international and Major League Soccer in our own backyard,” Supervisor Elías said. “That public-private partnership has put Tucson on the world soccer map and will continue to bring economic and recreational benefits to our community.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.FCTucson.com.

Kino Sports Complex (www.kinosportscomplex.com) is home to both the Triple-A Tucson Padres baseball team and the FC Tucson soccer club. It is the largest professional sports and entertainment venue of its kind in Pima County.  It includes the 11,000-seat Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, seven baseball fields (four with lights), lighted softball fields, a regulation Soccer Stadium (lighted) and four additional fields for soccer, field hockey, rugby, and lacrosse. It is a natural fit for youth, high school, collegiate, and professional sports; and makes a great setting for social gatherings, concerts, and community events.