TORONTO, ON (October 14, 2026) – AFC Toronto returns to BMO Field on Sunday, October 18, for Community Heroes Day, as the club continues its push for the Supporters’ Shield in the final stretch of the Northern Super League regular season. The match will also serve as AFC Toronto’s marquee Soccer for Cancer match in support of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), bringing fans together to support those impacted by cancer.
The Race for the Supporters’ Shield
A seven-game unbeaten streak has AFC Toronto firmly in the mix as the Race for the Supporters’ Shield heats up in the final stretch of the regular season. Every point matters as the team looks to finish strong and secure its position heading into the playoffs.
Community Heroes Day
Community Heroes Day will bring supporters together at BMO Field for an afternoon of soccer, recognition and celebration, with AFC Toronto aiming to give its fans another memorable performance on home soil. The club will recognize the individuals who strengthen communities every day, from first responders to volunteers and local leaders.
Give Back on Matchday
As part of AFC Toronto’s Soccer for Cancer campaign in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, fans will also have opportunities to support breast cancer research throughout the match.
Fans can visit the activation booth on the North Patio, near Gate 1 to make a donation and take part in a special show of support for those impacted by cancer. Supporters will be invited to fill out cards featuring the message “I Support…” and add the name of someone in their life who has been impacted by cancer. At halftime, fans will be asked to hold up their cards for a heartfelt moment of support.
Fans can also participate in a silent auction featuring player-worn jerseys from Shelina Zadorsky, Colby Barnett and Nikki Small. The auction will take place in person at the North Patio booth and will close following the match. Fans interested in bidding must participate on-site. Successful bidders will be contacted by email after the match with details on payment and jersey collection. Jerseys will be shipped to winners following the event. One hundred per cent of auction proceeds will go directly to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Lastly, AFC Toronto players will wear custom AFC Toronto x CCS Soccer for Cancer armbands in support of the fight against cancer, helping raise awareness for an important cause both on and off the pitch.
More Matchday Moments
Community Heroes Day will also feature a range of performances and activations for fans to enjoy throughout the matchday. The national anthem will be performed by Zenesoul, the JUNO-nominated Canadian-Nigerian R&B artist from Brampton, Ontario, known for blending classic soul with contemporary R&B and Afrobeat. Her nomination for Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year for “Love and Be Loved” highlights her growing impact on the Canadian music scene.
Prior to the anthem, feel the energy with the Desjardins Pre-Match Marching Band, bringing the excitement to BMO Field ahead of kickoff. At halftime, one lucky row will win an exclusive Clinique giveaway, so fans are encouraged to cheer on AFC Toronto throughout the entire match – you never know when your row might get called.
Supporters can also visit the Plan International Canada activation booth to learn more about the organization’s work advancing children’s rights and equality for girls around the world. The match will feature Bona Lee, a youth leader with Plan International Canada, as the official match ball delivery participant. Through the organization’s Girls Belong Here program, Bona shadowed AFC Toronto CEO Helena Ruken to explore how leaders in sport can help create a more equal future for girls.
Fans can also stop by the Vermillion Vanguard activation to learn more about the supporters’ group and sign up for membership for the 2027 season.
Match Details
AFC Toronto vs. Calgary Wild FC
BMO Field
Sunday, October 18 | 1:00 p.m. ET
Gates open at 12:00 p.m.
The match will stream live on TSN, ESPN+.
Join the action and purchase your ticket here.