Honouring leadership, legacy, and the role sport can play in driving meaningful change

Toronto, ON (June 25, 2026) – AFC Toronto is inviting fans, organizations, schools, teammates, friends and families to nominate a Community Change Champion who is making a difference every day ahead of the club's Nelson Mandela Day Match at York Lions Stadium. 

Nelson Mandela Day, observed annually on July 18, is a global call to action that encourages individuals to make a positive difference in their communities through service, leadership, and acts of kindness. Established by the United Nations in honour of Nelson Mandela's legacy, the day recognizes the power each person has to create meaningful change. 

Mandela famously said that "sport has the power to change the world," a belief that strongly aligns with AFC Toronto's commitment to using football as a force for connection, opportunity, and inclusion. As part of the club's Nelson Mandela Day Match, AFC Toronto is inviting fans to nominate a local Community Change Champion whose actions are making a lasting impact in their community. 

Whether they are mentoring youth, advocating for inclusion, supporting underserved communities, creating opportunities for others, championing equity, or simply showing up every day to make a difference, AFC Toronto wants to celebrate the people helping build stronger communities across the GTA. 

As part of the initiative, AFC Toronto will select one Community Change Champion to be recognized at the club's Nelson Mandela Day Match against Vancouver Rise FC on July 18. 

The selected Community Change Champion will receive:

• A VIP AFC Toronto matchday experience for themselves and up to four guests
• Recognition during the Nelson Mandela Day Match
• A feature across AFC Toronto's digital channels
• A unique ticket discount code to share with their community, helping more people attend and celebrate the cause they champion

How to Nominate 
To nominate a Community Change Champion, submit a short video, two minutes or less, through the nomination form explaining: 

• Who they are
• What they do for their community
• How they embody the values of leadership, service, inclusion, perseverance, or positive change
• Why they deserve to be recognized

By submitting a nomination, participants acknowledge that AFC Toronto may share submitted videos and stories across the club's digital and social media channels as part of celebrating and recognizing Community Change Champions. 

Note, written submissions will also be considered. For written submissions, please email them to media@afctoronto.ca with the subject line: “Community Change Champion Submission”.  

Nominations are open now and close on July 6, 2026 at 11:59pm.  

The winning Community Change Champion will be notified prior to the match and invited to join AFC Toronto for a special celebration of their impact. 

Who Should Be Nominated? 
We're looking for individuals who:

• Demonstrate a commitment to serving others and strengthening their community
• Lead through action, empathy, and integrity
• Create opportunities for others to succeed or belong
• Champion inclusion, equity, education, health, sport, or social impact initiatives
• Inspire those around them through their dedication and positive influence
• Live and work in the Greater Toronto Area

You don't need a large platform or formal title to make a difference. Sometimes the biggest impact comes from the people working quietly behind the scenes. 

Join the action on July 18 and secure your ticket here as we celebrate leadership, legacy, and the power of community,

Nelson Mandela Day Match 
July 18, 2026 
4:00 PM 
York Lions Stadium 
AFC Toronto vs. Vancouver Rise FC