La Mirada, Calif.-based Makita, the official tool sponsor of major league soccer, has expanded its presence in the sport as the official tool sponsor of the 2007 CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) Gold Cup — the showpiece event for men’s soccer teams that crowns the regional champion.

The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the main national soccer competition of the CONCACAF national teams. The participating nations are from North and Central America and from the Caribbean islands. In addition, up to three entrants from the other world football confederations are invited to play in the final tournament. The 2007 Gold Cup is being hosted by the United States.

Rosters for the Gold Cup national teams consist of top players from leagues around the world, including U.S.-based Major League Soccer. In many cases, players from MLS teams are drawn to compete for their national teams during the Gold Cup competition, even as the MLS season carries on.

As the official tool sponsor, Makita will benefit from stadium signage at all CONCACAF Gold Cup events. Games are scheduled throughout the month of June in stadiums across the U.S. The final takes place on Sunday, June 24 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The U.S. Team is the defending Gold Cup champion.

In addition to its sponsorship of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Makita is also the official tool sponsor of MLS. Makita is also a sponsor of the Mexican National Soccer Team during its tour of the U.S. in 2007. This sponsorship activity has allowed the company to extend its marketing reach.

“With our sponsorship of soccer, we use the excitement and energy of the sport as an effective vehicle to connect with power tool end users,” said Brent Withey, Makita brand manager. “Makita’s sponsorship of the prestigious Gold Cup competition takes our participation in the sport to an even higher level.”

Makita USA is a manufacturer of more than 450 professional, industrial-quality power tools and has more than 5,000 industrial accessories.