July 18 match to feature Amaka, Tribal Rhythm Nation, chalk artist Chalkchick, and AFC Toronto’s Community Change Champion campaign
TORONTO, ON (June 30, 2026) — AFC Toronto will mark Nelson Mandela Day with a matchday celebration honouring leadership, legacy, and the role sport can play in driving meaningful change when it hosts Vancouver Rise FC on Saturday, July 18 at York Lions Stadium.
Nelson Mandela International Day, observed annually on July 18, and recognized by the United Nation since 2010, is a global call to action that encourages individuals to make a positive difference in their communities through service, leadership, and acts of kindness. The day encourages individuals globally to dedicate 67 minutes of volunteering, donating, or supporting a cause in their local area as a way to honour the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for human rights. Grounded in AFC Toronto's belief that football can create lasting impact beyond the pitch, the club's Nelson Mandela Day Match will bring together artists, performers and community voices to celebrate leadership, inspire service, and reflect Mandela's belief that sport "has the power to change the world."
"Nelson Mandela believed sport has the power to inspire, unite and create change, and those values are central to our club," said Helena Ruken, CEO, AFC Toronto. "This match celebrates the people strengthening our communities and reminds us that leadership is defined by impact. We hope supporters leave inspired to recognize someone around them who is making a difference and to give back themselves."
Community Change Champion
As part of AFC Toronto's Nelson Mandela Day celebrations, the club seeks to platform and celebrate those already making a positive impact in their community by launching a search for a Community Change Champion, inviting fans, organizations, schools and communities to nominate someone in the Greater Toronto Area who is making a lasting impact through mentorship, advocacy, inclusion or community service.
The selected Community Change Champion will receive a VIP matchday experience for themselves and up to four guests, recognition during the Nelson Mandela Day Match, and a feature across AFC Toronto's digital channels. Nominations are open now and close on July 6 at 11:59 p.m.
To nominate, submit a short video or written submission to media@afctoronto.ca explaining who the nominee is, how they are making a difference in their community, and why they deserve to be recognized.
Matchday Experiences
Mandela spoke of how sport has a power “to unite people in a way that little else does” because it “speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.” Throughout the afternoon, supporters will experience world class athletic excellence on the pitch, but also performances, art and community activations that celebrate the diversity and spirit of Toronto while highlighting the power each of us has to create positive change.
Nigerian-born, Toronto-based artist Amaka will perform the national anthem before kickoff. Known for her ethereal vocals and deeply vulnerable songwriting, Amaka has cultivated a loyal local following through powerful live performances across the Greater Toronto Area.
Bringing rhythm and energy to the matchday atmosphere throughout the match will be Tribal Rhythm Nation, a group founded in 2007 that celebrates Toronto's multiculturalism through Caribbean, African and Latin rhythms with drums and steel pans.
Adding a creative and community-driven touch to the fan experience, Toronto-based chalk artist Chalkchick will create a live artwork installation at the south end of the stadium.
Spotlight: Nikayla Small
AFC Toronto captain Nikayla Small embodies the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day through her ongoing commitment to giving back. Earlier this year, Small launched the Small Foundation, dedicated to creating greater access to soccer while increasing representation for Black youth in the game.
"Growing up, I rarely saw professional players who looked like me, and that's a big part of why giving back matters so much," said Small. "If we can help one young person believe they belong in this game by creating more access and representation, that's a meaningful impact.”
Through community recognition, local artists, cultural performances and opportunities to give back, AFC Toronto's Nelson Mandela Day Match invites supporters to celebrate the people whose everyday actions continue to strengthen communities across the Greater Toronto Area.
Match Details
Nelson Mandela Day Match
AFC Toronto vs. Vancouver Rise FC
Saturday, July 18, 2026
4:00 PM ET
York Lions Stadium
Single match tickets are available now. Supporters looking to experience more of AFC Toronto's 2026 season can also purchase a Flex Pack, which includes tickets to any three or more regular season matches, a 10% savings compared to single-game pricing, and an exclusive AFC Toronto mini ball while supplies last.
Join the action and secure your ticket here.
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