Matchday celebration to highlight Toronto’s diversity and football’s unique ability to unite cultures, communities and countries through music, performance and stories from some of AFC Toronto's internationally recognized players
TORONTO, ON (June 22, 2026) — AFC Toronto will celebrate the world's game and the diversity that defines Canada’s largest city when it hosts Ottawa Rapid FC for AFC Toronto Global Football Day match presented by Intact on Saturday, July 11 at York Lions Stadium.
As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Toronto is shaped by the people, cultures and communities that call it home. AFC Toronto Global Football Day celebrates that identity through the lens of football, a sport played and followed from every corner of the globe and uniquely positioned to bring people together across borders, languages and backgrounds. The matchday experience will feature performances, entertainment and storytelling that reflect both Toronto’s global identity and the shared passion for football that unites communities across the city and AFC Toronto’s fan base.
"AFC Toronto’s community reflects the diversity that defines Toronto,” said Helena Ruken, CEO and Co-Founder of AFC Toronto. "Every matchday brings people from different cultures and experiences together, united by a shared passion for the game. AFC Toronto Global Football Day is an opportunity to celebrate our city, welcome new fans, and continue growing women’s soccer in Toronto.”
As presenting sponsor of AFC Toronto Global Football Day, Intact is proud to support initiatives that bring communities together through sport. The celebration reflects a shared commitment to creating welcoming environments where people of all backgrounds can connect, participate and belong.
AFC Toronto's roster reflects the both Toronto’s diversity and football’s global reach with eight different nationalities spanning four continents currently represented on the club's roster - including Finland, Ghana, Nigeria, the Philippines, Portugal, St. Kitts and Nevis, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States. This showcases the diversity that defines both the club and the city it represents.
The roster also features seven international players – Linda Owusu Ansah, Esther Okoronkwo, Sofia Manner, Colby Barnett, Jordan Brewster, Mia Fontana and Croix Soto – who bring experience from football cultures around the world. Throughout the season, several AFC Toronto players have also earned national team call-ups, proudly representing their countries on the international stage.
“Representing Jamaica is such an incredible honour because it allows me to compete for something bigger than myself,” said AFC Toronto captain, Nikayla Small. “It also gives me the opportunity to carry my family's legacy wherever I go, celebrating my roots and heritage every time I step onto the field!”
Cloey Uddenberg shared “representing my country means everything to my family and I. My grandpa used to play on the football team and now myself and my sisters have and continue to play for the national team. Continuing that legacy is incredibly special and means the world to my family.”
“Representing Canada is one of the greatest honours in my football career”, said midfielder Olivia Chisholm. “It is a chance to play for something bigger than myself. I am not just representing Canada but I am representing my family, friends and coaches who supported me through it all. To be a part of a game that brings people together globally is something I am so honoured to be able to do.”
Fans attending the match will enjoy a variety of matchday programming designed to celebrate football's global reach.
Prior to kickoff, Toronto-based DJ Shiloh, aka DJ Shysofly, will provide music throughout the afternoon. An active open-format DJ and vibe curator, Shiloh has performed at events for organizations including the Toronto Raptors.
Delivering the match ball to midfield will be Toronto creator and food entrepreneur Aashim Aggarwal, founder of Seed Eat Repeat, whose platform celebrates the city's diverse food culture and communities through storytelling and shared experiences.
Canadian vocalist Natalie Morris will perform the national anthem before kickoff. A graduate of Centennial College's Music Industry Arts and Performance program, Morris gained national recognition through acclaimed performances on Canada's Got Talent.
At halftime, supporters will enjoy the One World Performance featuring Flavia, Logun, Medylandia and Trix Freestyle, celebrating movement, culture and football artistry through a dynamic on-pitch showcase.
The first 1,000 fans through the gates will receive AFC Toronto fan clappers courtesy of Footy Scoops. Members of the Footy Scoops team will also be on-site helping energize supporters and enhance the matchday atmosphere.
Join the action and secure your ticket here.
Match Details
AFC Toronto Global Football Day Presented by Intact
AFC Toronto vs. Ottawa Rapid FC
Saturday, July 11, 2026
4:00 PM ET
York Lions Stadium
About AFC Toronto
AFC Toronto is a founding club in the Northern Super League, Canada's professional women's soccer league. Following a first-place finish and Supporters' Shield-winning inaugural campaign in 2025, the club continues to build momentum in its second season while advancing the growth of women's professional soccer in Canada.
Rooted in Toronto and guided by its ethos, Run It Our Way, AFC Toronto exists not only to compete at the highest level, but to create a platform where girls and women can lead, grow and thrive both on and off the pitch.
Media Contact
Christina Miller
Director, Public Relations, Media & Communications
AFC Toronto
cmiller@afctoronto.ca