AFC TORONTO MEDIA POLICY

Thank you for your interest in covering AFC Toronto. Your presence at our training sessions, matches, and events plays an essential role in helping grow the game and amplifying the stories that make women’s soccer so powerful.

As a new chapter begins with the Northern Super League, we believe media coverage is more than just reporting — it’s about building visibility, inspiring the next generation, and ensuring the athletes and communities shaping this league are seen and celebrated. We’re grateful to have you alongside us as we work to elevate the profile of professional women’s soccer in Canada.

To help ensure your experience on match days and at training sessions runs smoothly, we kindly ask that you take a moment to review the media guidelines and policies outlined by AFC Toronto and the Northern Super League.

If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the AFC Toronto media team at media@afctoronto.ca.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

Media Code of Conduct

Media credentials and access will be granted only to individuals with a legitimate working function at a match, training session, or league-sanctioned event. Credentials are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold, or used for personal purposes. Unauthorized use of credentials is grounds for removal from the venue and permanent revocation.

The following actions may result in ejection and/or credential seizure:

  • Requesting autographs
  • Taking photos with players or coaches
  • Using credentials for friends, family, or guests
  • Conducting unauthorized interviews
  • Unprofessional behaviour (e.g., cheering in the press box, consuming alcohol, or disregarding venue rules)
  • Posting photos of media credentials on social media

Professionalism & Conduct

Credentials are issued for professional, editorial use only. Media members may not use their access to request autographs, take personal photos, or make other non-editorial requests. When specified in press releases or official club communications, any information provided for planning purposes is not to be shared publicly.

In accordance with the Northern Super League Media Access Policy, violations of these expectations may result in immediate loss of credentials.

Media Attire

Media covering AFC Toronto training sessions or matches are expected to dress professionally. Credentialed media must not wear apparel representing opposing clubs, leagues, or national teams. Failure to comply may result in revocation of credentials.

CREDENTIALS: ACCESS AND APPLICATION

Types of Credentials Available

Single-Match Credentials
Single-match credentials provide media access to an individual AFC Toronto home match. These are ideal for outlets or journalists covering select matches or working on specific assignments. Single-match credential applications will open on a monthly basis, aligned with that month’s match schedule. Applications must be submitted no later than 72 hours before kickoff, and approved applicants will receive confirmation at least 48 hours before the match.

Credential requests are only permitted for media outlets requiring match day press box or field-level photographer access for the purpose of producing editorial coverage. This includes writers, photographers, and verified digital publications that consistently produce professional content aligned with recognized journalistic standards.

Press box space and credentials are limited. Priority will be given to full-season credential holders and those working on deadline. Applications from freelance writers, photographers, or videographers will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure the professional and editorial purpose of the coverage.

AFC Toronto does not issue credentials to individuals or outlets whose sole intent is to create social media content (e.g., Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, or TikTok) without a broader editorial purpose.

Full-Season Credentials
At this time, we are no longer accepting applications for full-season media credentials. All additional requests must be submitted through the single-match application process.

Credential Replacement

If a media member loses their credential, a replacement may be issued at the club’s discretion. A replacement fee will apply. Lost credentials must be reported immediately to media@afctoronto.ca.

PHOTOGRAPHER ACCESS AND SIDELINE ELIGIBILITY

Photographer Credential Policy – AFC Toronto

In order to maintain a professional working environment and manage space limitations at York Lions Stadium, AFC Toronto is implementing the following credential policies for photographers:

Eligibility and Access

  • Full Season Credentials may be granted to photographers officially assigned by accredited media outlets.
    • Full season credential holders must RSVP ahead of each match.
    • Missing two consecutive matches without prior notice may result in revocation of the credential.
  • Single Game Credentials are available for independent photographers, freelancers, and those developing a personal portfolio.
    • Independent photographers must apply separately for each match they wish to cover.
  • Full season credentials will not be issued to photographers without verified media assignments.

Assignment Verification

  • All photographers must be on official assignment.
  • Proof of assignment may be requested at any time.
  • AFC Toronto reserves the right to verify media affiliations and deny or revoke credentials if assignment cannot be confirmed.

Space Limits

  • Sideline space is limited.
  • A maximum number of photographers will be permitted per match.
  • Once capacity is reached, additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist.

Important Notes

  • A full season credential does not guarantee entry without RSVP confirmation before each match.
  • Single game credential holders must submit a new application for each match they wish to attend.
  • Credentials are non-transferable.
  • Failure to comply with AFC Toronto's credential policies may result in suspension or removal of access privileges.

FACILITIES AND MATCHDAY ACCESS

Media Check-In at Gate 1

All media must check in at the media/staff entrance located next to Gate 1 at York Lions Stadium. A sign will be posted to direct you. Upon arrival, provide your full name and media outlet to stadium security. You will receive a credential, which must be worn and visible at all times while inside the stadium.

Media check-in opens two hours prior to kickoff unless otherwise noted. All media areas, including the press box and photo workroom, will also open at that time. Credentials are non-transferable.

Photographers will receive field bibs at the media desk. Bibs must be worn at all times while on the field and returned after the game.

Parking Notice

York Lions Stadium offers public on-site parking for a fee, subject to availability. AFC Toronto does not own or operate these parking facilities and cannot guarantee parking spaces. Arriving early or considering alternative transportation is strongly recommended.

PRESS BOX MEDIA SEATING AND WORK AREAS

  • Credentialed print media will have access to the press box (fourth floor) and the media overflow/press conference room (fourth floor).
  • Press box seating is limited and reserved for full-season media members. Overflow seating is available in the South Lounge.
  • Please sit in your assigned seat, as indicated on the posted seating chart.
  • Only working media are permitted in the press box. Cheering, celebrating, or loud noises are not allowed.
  • Player agents, VIPs, and non-working guests are not permitted in media-designated areas.

ON-FIELD PHOTOGRAPHERS & CAMERA ACCESS

  • On-field camera access is limited and subject to approval.
  • Photographers must stay behind field boards within marked zones stretching from the 18-yard box to the endline. Movement behind goals or benches during match play is not permitted.
  • Access requires both a valid credential and a club-issued bib. One monopod per photographer is allowed; tripods are not permitted.
  • Movement from one end of the field to the other is only permitted at halftime.
  • Only professional-grade equipment is permitted. Mobile phones and point-and-shoot cameras are not allowed.
  • Unauthorized use may result in loss of access or removal from the field.
  • A photo workstation will be provided near the South end tunnel.
  • Bibs must be returned after each match.

MEDIA ACCESS TO TRAINING SESSIONS

  • A weekly training schedule will be sent via email.
  • Unless otherwise specified, a 15-minute open window will be available for filming and photography at the start of training.
  • Access is subject to RSVP and confirmation with media@afctoronto.ca.

MATCHDAY -1 AND -2 ACCESS

  • 15-minute media windows for observation, filming, and photography per NSL policy.
  • AFC Toronto will host a pre-match press conference on matchday -1 or -2 featuring the head coach and select players.

MATCHDAY AND POST-MATCH PROCEDURES

Post-Match Media Access

  • Post-match press conferences will occur in the designated media areas.
  • Visiting team availability will begin approximately 10 minutes after the final whistle, followed by the home team.
  • Players available for interviews will be confirmed before match end.

Video Access and Footage Rights

  • All match footage is owned by the Northern Super League and its broadcast partners.
  • Non-rights holders may use up to two minutes of footage for news programming within one week.
  • Filming full match action for digital/social use is prohibited without league approval.

INTERVIEW ACCESS

Player Interviews

  • Select players will be available for scrum interviews at the training ground once per week.
  • One-on-one interviews must be requested 72 hours in advance and are subject to club approval.

Coach Interviews

  • Head Coach Marko Milanovic and Assistant Coach Sylvia Forbes will be available for interviews during designated windows noted in the weekly calendar.
  • Virtual interviews for opposing team media are available upon request.

POLICY ENFORCEMENT

Credential holders are expected to comply with all AFC Toronto and Northern Super League policies.
Credentials may be revoked for reasons including:

  • Verbal abuse toward staff or players
  • Unauthorized interviews
  • Use of credentials for personal or guest access
  • Repeated entry into restricted areas
  • Unprofessional conduct in media areas

CONTACT INFORMATION

Media Inquiries and Credential Requests:
media@afctoronto.ca

Northern Super League Communications (for broadcast/rights questions):
media@nsl.ca

Club Communications Team:
Maailah Blackwood
Manager, Communications and Community Engagement
media@afctoronto.ca